Jamie Carragher has used Leeds United as an example when discussing Arsenal ahead of the new 2024-25 Premier League campaign, as Arsenal look to overhaul Manchester City at the top.
It is seen as a positive part of Arsenal’s history after a spell in the wilderness following the sacking of icon Arsene Wenger. But Mikel Arteta has not delivered a trophy cabinet full of silverware during his tenure.
Just one FA Cup and two Community Shields have been won by the Spanish boss, with the former Everton and Rangers ace prioritising a Premier League battle with Man City and former colleague Pep Guardiola.
Jamie Carragher uses Leeds as example during Arsenal verdict
Rewind little over 20 years ago, David O’Leary guided Leeds to two fourth-placed finishes, a third in 1999-00 and then fifth before leaving at the end of the 2001-02 season, as well as Champions League success.
Of course, a run to the Champions League semi-final in 2000-01 saw Leeds draw with AC Milan at the San Siro. Dom Matteo scored, and his goal is still the subject of a song sung by supporters to this day.
Leeds failed to win a trophy during that period before financial ruination, and Carragher told The Stick To Football podcast that Arsenal have to win a trophy or be remembered like Leeds were under O’Leary.
“When I look at Arsenal over the last couple of years when they’ve challenged, they go out of the Cups really early and that’s helped them. But they are too good – City and Liverpool attack every competition.
“Arsenal must win something. What you don’t want is to talk about it like a Pochettino era, Newcastle with Keegan, Leeds had a spell when in the Champions League. There’s nothing to look back on,” he said.
Leeds came so close in trophy hunt under manager David O’Leary
Prior to the Champions League semi-finals which saw Leeds lose to Valencia, Leeds also got to the UEFA Cup semi-finals – where they lost to Galatasaray, a clash that is remembered for all the wrong reasons.
That 2000-01 campaign saw Leeds secure their biggest-ever average attendance of 37,866 throughout the season. But it is a crying shame could not secure a trophy and as a result, Leeds financially collapsed.
Carragher is right in the respect that if Arsenal fail to win a trophy and stick with Man City this season, the Arteta era will come to an end and Gunners fans will have nothing to celebrate from Arteta’s hard work
Leave a Reply