Title winners need a strong defensive unit, and that’s exactly what Arsenal don’t have, claims Jamie Carragher.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Carragher claimed that Arsène Wenger’s failure to strengthen the Gunners’ back line would cost them later on.

The former Liverpool defender told Standard Sport: “Arsenal haven’t improved at the back since last season. If you want to be successful, you have to have a strong defensive unit. But that’s what has let Arsenal down. 

“Arsenal conceded 44 goals last season and that is far too many. You must aim to concede less than a goal a game, then that gives you a chance to challenge for the title. Just look at the last three champions: Chelsea last season (33 goals against), Leicester (36) and Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2015 (32).

“This is why I was very surprised Arsenal didn’t bring another centre-back in, especially as they are going to play three at the back a lot more.”

Arsenal did of course bring in Sead Kolašinac, although he will hopefully continue to play in the wing-back position, considering how good at it he’s been so far.

The Gunners also have Calum Chambers coming back after a very positive loan spell, which Carragher failed to mention, despite noting Andreas Christensen’s return to Chelsea after a similar loan.

However, Arsenal could have done more.

Losing Gabriel and Gibbs means that Kolašinac and Chambers at best just fill the gaps created over the summer, whilst what Arsenal probably needed to do was add more depth, considering the change in formation and Mertesacker and Koscielny’s injury difficulties.

As for whether the current first team defence is good enough, it certainly seemed to be in a solid performance against Chelsea, but definitely wasn’t at Anfield.

Perhaps it’s simply too early to tell whether Kolašinac and Chambers can help the team achieve a significant improvement on last year.