Carragher Highlights Arsenal’s Quadruple Aspirations Ahead of Key Clash

As Manchester United prepares for their match at the Emirates Stadium this weekend, Jamie Carragher has increased the pressure on the Premier League leaders by suggesting they are on the verge of rewriting football history. In his column for The Telegraph, the former Liverpool defender contended that the debate surrounding Mikel Arteta’s side has shifted from whether they will win silverware to simply how many trophies they will collect.

Carragher drew a direct parallel to Sir Alex Ferguson’s treble-winning team from 1999, asserting that Arsenal’s current position puts them in a stronger place than United was in January of that iconic season. With Arsenal currently leading both the Premier League and the Champions League, as well as having “one foot in the Carabao Cup final,” Carragher believes a historic quadruple is a legitimate possibility.

“I recently watched a documentary about United’s treble, and what stood out was that few believed winning the three major trophies was possible halfway through that campaign,” Carragher wrote. “Arsenal are in a far stronger position right now – and have fewer obstacles in their way – than United in January 1999.” He pointed out that on New Year’s Day 1999, United had secured only nine wins out of their 20 league games, whereas Arsenal currently appears “relentless.”

The anticipation for Sunday’s fixture has been heightened by comments from Wayne Rooney, who asserted that his 2008 Manchester United side “would batter” the current Arsenal team. While Carragher dismissed Rooney’s remarks as likely being a “wind-up,” he acknowledged that, player-for-player, the champions of 2008 had superior individual quality.

“Player-for-player, Rooney’s peak United team – of which current coach Michael Carrick was a central figure – are superior to the Arsenal of 2026,” he stated. “If asked to pick a winner, United would get my vote. They have different qualities; one is packed with attacking talent while the other is built on one of the most resolute defenses of the past ten years. Regardless of one’s stance on who would emerge victorious, it would be a closely contested and intense battle.”

However, Carragher argued that such comparisons are rooted in “past glories” and do not diminish what Arsenal is accomplishing as a cohesive unit. He posited that while the 2008 United team might prevail in a one-off match, Arteta’s side possesses a defensive solidity that makes them exceptionally difficult to overcome in a four-front campaign.

Carragher’s evaluation of Arsenal’s style was striking. He described the current league leaders as “more efficient than thrilling,” likening them to George Graham’s pragmatic champions rather than Arsene Wenger’s flamboyant ‘Invincibles.’

To illustrate his point, Carragher noted that he could not find a place for any Arsenal attackers in his ‘Team of the Season’ so far, favoring players like Erling Haaland, Bruno Fernandes, and Antoine Semenyo instead. He emphasized that Arsenal’s success hinges on their dominance from set pieces, having netted 19 goals from corners, and arguably possesses the best defense of the last decade.

“Likewise, whatever Arsenal ultimately wins in 2026, I sympathize with the notion that they were more entertaining two years ago when a late home defeat to Aston Villa was all that separated them from becoming champions,” he wrote.

“Greatness is only recognized after entering the winners’ enclosure. Legendary status beckons by being the best team of the season, after which debates can ensue regarding whether they matched or surpassed the greatest of bygone eras.

“This Arsenal side is more efficient than thrilling; their 19 goals from corners indicate they share more common ground with George Graham’s champions than with Arsène Wenger’s. The potential for improvement in forward areas is evident. It is telling that when selecting a team of the season thus far, no Arsenal attackers could dislodge Erling Haaland, Bruno Fernandes, Morgan Rogers, or Antoine Semenyo as my attacking picks.

“The perception of this Arsenal era will shift dramatically once the title is secured, especially if it is one of many trophies achieved after a lengthy rebuilding process. The entirety of Arteta’s tenure will be reassessed, and credit will be given for the evolution that led to success.”

Perhaps the most compelling endorsement of Arsenal’s quadruple aspirations came after their recent Champions League performance. Carragher highlighted their 3-1 victory over Inter at the San Siro as the turning point that convinced him Arsenal are the team to beat in Europe.

He was particularly impressed that Arteta achieved this result without starting key players like Declan Rice, Gabriel, and Martin Ødegaard. This depth, combined with the declining form of traditional European powerhouses, has paved the way for the Gunners.

“Arteta was mocked when he declared Arsenal were Europe’s best at the end of last season,” he added. “Such comments would not elicit the same response now. The usual contenders do not appear as accomplished, nor do their coaches enjoy the same luxury of making extensive changes without sacrificing quality.

“Paris St-Germain are not in the form that won them the tournament last season, Real Madrid resembles a collection of individuals rather than a cohesive unit, and Barcelona falls short compared to the Premier League leaders. Bayern Munich and Liverpool cannot be dismissed as potential winners based on their European form. Arsenal would not fear any of them.”