Carragher’s Premier League picks reignite debate over Arsenal’s standout stars
Jamie Carragher’s Premier League Team of the Season so far has prompted debate not simply because of who made the cut, but because of what it reveals about how individual excellence is judged in a tightly packed title race.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, the former Liverpool defender unveiled his selections with Arsenal leading the table heading into Christmas. Despite that position, only three players from Mikel Arteta’s squad were included a decision that quickly became a talking point among supporters.
Success without standout headlines
Arsenal’s 2024–25 campaign has been built on collective consistency rather than reliance on one or two headline performers. They completed a perfect Champions League group stage earlier this season and recorded a statement 3–1 win over Bayern Munich, while domestically maintaining first place through the autumn.
Recent dropped points, however, have compressed the title race. What could have been a commanding advantage over Manchester City has narrowed to two points, reinforcing Carragher’s view that elite performances this season are spread across several clubs rather than concentrated in one dominant side.
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That context shaped his selections and explains why one defensive omission drew outsized attention.
Why right-back proved decisive
Carragher admitted the right-back position was the most difficult to resolve. In the end, he selected Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz ahead of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, a call that immediately divided opinion.
Explaining his reasoning on air, Carragher said:
"Every time I watch this guy [Daniel Munoz], he's absolutely fantastic. Part of a really strong Crystal Palace defence, but he has three goals and a couple of assists as well, so I think he's fantastic."
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Munoz’s attacking numbers, achieved in a Palace side outperforming expectations, narrowly edge Timber’s output. Carragher appeared to prioritise that contribution, even if the comparison is complicated by tactical roles. Munoz operates largely as a wing-back, while Timber’s responsibilities within Arsenal’s system demand more positional discipline than freedom in the final third.
Supporter reaction reflects wider frustration
That distinction did little to calm Arsenal supporters. On X, criticism was swift, with several fans questioning how a league-leading side could be so lightly represented.
Some argued Timber’s consistency outweighed marginal differences in attacking statistics, while others framed the decision as another example of Arsenal’s collective strength being undervalued in individual awards debates. The tone was sharp, if familiar Team of the Season selections rarely pass without controversy.
A broader look at the XI
Beyond the Timber discussion, Carragher’s team featured Robin Roefs in goal, with Marc Guehi partnering Gabriel in central defence and Riccardo Calafiori at left-back. Declan Rice, Granit Xhaka, and Bruno Fernandes made up the midfield, while Antoine Semenyo, Morgan Rogers, and Erling Haaland were selected in attack.
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Whether Carragher’s choices ultimately stand up will be judged over the second half of the season. For now, the reaction serves as a reminder that in a title race defined by small margins, even minor selection calls can provoke major debate.
Sources: Sky Sports Monday Night Football, X
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