Jamie Carragher questions whether Mikel Arteta is adopting Jose Mourinho-type defensive tactics at Arsenal in break away from Pep Guardiola’s influence

Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal may be adopting Jose Mourinho-type tactics under Mikel Arteta in a break away from Pep Guardiola‘s influence.

Arteta’s side have earned plaudits for their defensive solidity while challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title over the past two campaigns.

The Spaniard arrived at the club after leaving his role as one of Guardiola’s assistants at champions City, where he was partly responsible for their free-flowing style.

Arsenal have enjoyed a strong start to the new season and face Liverpool on Sunday evening as they look to close the gap on the top of the table.

William Saliba has missed out through suspension and his absence led Carragher to question whether Arteta may look to adopt a safety-first approach.

The Gunners have been lauded for their defensive solidity under Mikel Arteta

Speaking on Sky Sports, the pundit also compared the gradual transition at Arsenal to Mourinho’s infamous pragmatic blueprint.

‘It’s interesting how they’ve done that, they’ve got better players as time moved on,’ Carragher said. 

‘I’ve always felt that Mikel Arteta came in as a disciple of Pep Guardiola but, over time, his team is getting closer in style, the defensive style, closer to Jose Mourinho.

‘It’ll be interesting with Saliba out, if they feel that they can go on the front foot and go man-to-man that they like to do. They might retreat a bit.

‘Against City at times, not a good watch but they get the job done.’

Ahead of the showdown at the Emirates, Carragher also heaped praise on Arne Slot’s Reds after their blistering start to his first campaign in the dugout.

Mourinho’s infamous pragmatic approach has secured him a host of trophies during his career

Carragher tipped Arsenal to retreat more than usual in their showdown against Liverpool

‘I think when you go to a title rival away it is difficult to say you are favourites,’ he added. ‘If Arsenal have the players maybe it is 50-50.  

‘But you cannot deny it is a brilliant start. You think of United after [Sir Alex] Ferguson, Arsenal after [Arsene] Wenger. 

‘It is almost a relief that the wheels haven’t fallen off. They’ve not signed anyone really. It’s been a brilliant start but the tests will be a lot stiffer now.’