Jamie Carragher doesn't think Arsenal need to win against Manchester City on Wednesday but admits defeat would see the title race 'finished'.
The Gunners dropped more points on Friday evening after a dramatic 3-3 draw at home to bottom-of-the-league Southampton. The Saints were 3-1 up until the 88th minute but saw goals from Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka level the score.
It was the third straight draw for Mikel Arteta's side and although they will go into Wednesday's trip to the Etihad five points clear, City have two games in hand. But Carragher doesn't think it is a must-win game for the north London club, although defeat would spell the end of their challenge.
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"My point is obviously Arsenal will go there and want to win the game, and try and win the game," Carragher told Sky Sports. "My point is if they come in and they draw the game, what’s Mikel Arteta going to say at the end of the game? ‘I said we had to win so the league’s over’ - it’s not.
"Man City will still have tough games, they’ve got to go to Brighton away and they will not be easy games now. Of course Arsenal have got other tough games but what I don’t think Arsenal should do is if that game is in the balance with 20 minutes to go, do something stupid in terms of 'we’ve got to win the game'.
"They want to win the game, but don’t lose it - if they lose it it’s over, it’s finished. I think they should try and win the game but a draw is not the end of the world against Manchester City. You take it and keep it going for as long as you possibly can go."
Pep Guardiola has already likened Wednesday's meeting in Manchester to a Premier League 'final' with a winner taking a huge advantage into the final month of football. A win for the Blues would take them to within three points of Arsenal with two games in hand.
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