Jamie Carragher has pinpointed where the Premier League title will be decided after Manchester City handed the initiative back to Arsenal after dropping points on Bank Holiday Monday.
City and Arsenal are vying for the title – with the latter on the hunt for their first in 22 years.
Momentum has been with City in recent weeks, meaning the fate of the title was in their hands if they won all of their remaining matches this season.
However, that came crashing down on Monday night as City drew 3-3 at Everton – with the visitors lucky to salvage a point thanks to Jeremy Doku’s 97th-minute curler.
As a result of that encounter, Arsenal now sit five points clear of City on 76 points after 35 matches, albeit having played a game more than their rivals.
And reflecting on events at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Carragher believes Arsenal can virtually coronate themselves as champions if they win at relegation-threatened West Ham next on Sunday – despite there being a further two games afterwards against Burnley (May 18) and Crystal Palace (May 24).
Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal will win the Premier League if they win at West Ham next
Manchester City handed the initiative back to Arsenal after Monday’s 3-3 draw at Everton
That means Arsenal will be champions if they win their last three remaining league matches
‘From an Arsenal perspective, tonight is about the league,’ Carragher said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
‘But can you imagine the stadium tomorrow [against Atletico in their Champions League semi-final second leg]?
‘The excitement for the competition, the energy from the fans that will be in that stadium – to get to a Champions League final and the league is in your hands with three games to go.
‘If Arsenal win against West Ham next Sunday, they win the league.’
Despite Carragher’s bullish view, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry warned of caution for the Gunners going into their upcoming trip to the London Stadium.
‘Now it’s back in Arsenal’s hands. It’s not in Man City’s hands anymore,’ Arsenal’s all-time record goalscorer said.
‘I said earlier that I could see City dropping points against Everton and that I’m worried about the West Ham game.
‘So I’m going to stay in my lane and not celebrate too early because nothing is done, but I could see that happening.
Thierry Henry (second left) isn’t as confident and warned Arsenal not to get complacent
‘I saw a bit of nervousness with City because they imploded. They brought Everton back into the game with some mistakes.
‘Arsenal can see that Man City dropped two points, but you can’t start to think that, “Now, maybe…” There’s no maybe. Win your games. Don’t look at City. It’s in your hands.’
City will have the opportunity to exert a little bit of pressure on Arsenal on Saturday when they host Brentford in the Premier League – 24 hours before the Gunners’ London derby.
