JAMIE CARRAGHER has praised Mikel Arteta’s midfield tweak at Arsenal following their dazzling display against Leicester.
The Gunners leapfrogged Manchester United back into the top four on Sunday after easing to a 2-0 victory at the Emirates.
Arteta’s side have now won nine out of their last 11 Premier League games – winning their last five matches since drawing 0-0 to Burnley on January 23.
In that period, they have conceded just seven goals thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and the formidable centre-back pairing of Ben White and Gabriel.
Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers labelled Ramsdale England’s best goalkeeper following his stunning save to keep out Harvey Barnes’ header.
But despite their impressive defence, Carragher believes it is in midfield where Arsenal are winning games.
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The Liverpool legend believes the North Londoners are reaping the rewards of Arteta’s decision to play Granit Xhaka in the No8 role.
This allows defensive midfielder Thomas Partey to have more space in the middle of the pitch.
Though he warned that Arsenal’s system – which involves heavy pressing – could be exploited by Jurgen Klopp’s men when they face the Gunners on Wednesday night.
Analysing a clip from Arsenal’s win over Leicester, the Sky Sports pundit said: “I want to look at Arsenal defensively.
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“Over the last eleven games, they have only conceded seven goals. It’s very reminiscent of Manchester City.
“I want to look at the pressing of Martin Odegaard and then Granit Xhaka, leaving Thomas Partey free. Odegaard is a pressing machine, along with [Gabriel] Martinelli.
“They are really high up the pitch and Xhaka is covering 11 kilometres a game because he is being asked to do a lot more.
“But sometimes it isn’t right to go [and press] and there are spaces either side of Partey.
“In the game against Liverpool, that is something they will have to be careful about when they press. They have to be mindful of that.
“But what l am seeing from Arsenal, and the slight tweak in midfield, is very impressive.”
He added: “Arsenal’s midfield is reminiscent of a Pep Guardiola team, who has obviously got a huge influence on Mikel Arteta.
“Manchester City so often have five players in forward positions spread across the pitch, and that spreads the opposition really wide.
“But it’s the positions of Odegaard and Xhaka, who are pushed really high, which really standout, while Partey is sat really deep.
“It’s reminiscent of Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri at Manchester City.”