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Carragher questions Arsenal’s lack of open-play threat

By on September 22, 2025

Jamie Carragher has raised concerns about Arsenal’s ability to score from open play following their 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time goal at the Emirates rescued a point for Mikel Arteta’s side after Erling Haaland had given City an early lead.

The result leaves the Gunners five points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League standings.

Arsenal’s open-play struggles

Despite the late equaliser, Arsenal managed an expected goals tally of just 0.96. Carragher suggested to SkySports, that this shows their continuing struggles in attack.

“I can understand where [Declan] Rice is coming from, when you dominate a title rival as much as they did, you are pleased about that in some ways – that is not normal to see a game like that so one sided in terms of territory and possession.”

The Sky Sports pundit admitted Arsenal’s control of the match was impressive but insisted their inability to threaten in open play is worrying.

“But for me, I cannot get away from the fact Arsenal do not look like scoring a goal in open play and I felt that at Man Utd in the first game and at Anfield and today – credit to them as they found a way, they had lots of set-pieces – but did not look as dangerous on them today, but this still has to be a worry for Arsenal.”

Carragher points to bigger issue

Carragher went further, highlighting how Arsenal’s struggles in this area are not new and were also evident last season.

“I think this season from Arsenal in their five games from open play, their xG is about three, they did not really look like scoring at all and that is still a problem they had last season and it still looks in these first five games they still have it.”

Carragher’s comments will concern Arsenal fans who have seen their side dominate possession without creating enough chances in open play.

With the title race already taking shape, Arteta may need to find solutions quickly to turn control into goals.