Jamie Carragher doubts Man City will get the better of Arsenal and retain the Premier League title

Jamie Carragher has cast doubt over whether Manchester City can get the better of Arsenal and retain the Premier League title after their latest defeat at Tottenham.

The former Liverpool defender said Pep Guardiola’s side are struggling for ‘lots of different reasons’ after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat.

Harry Kane’s record-breaking goal delivered a blow to the champions’ titles hopes.

Kane slotted home after quarter of an hour to break the deadlock and move past Jimmy Greaves as Spurs’ all-time leading marksman, having gone level with the late forward against Fulham two weeks ago.

It proved enough to keep up Tottenham’s excellent record against City, who could have gone within two points of leaders Arsenal following their defeat at Everton on Saturday.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola cut a frustrated figure on the touchline

Sky Sports pundit Carragher said: ‘I mentioned it before, we keep talking about Arsenal, Manchester City, there’s still a long way to go. 

‘You’re almost waiting for City to kick in to be the City that we know so well. It just feels like this might be the season that they’re just not quite themselves, for lots of different reasons. 

‘Maybe the role of Haaland in the team as well. It’s not the Man City of old. This idea of what they’ve done to Liverpool a couple of times in title races, I’m not sure it will happen. It feels like a different City that we’re watching right now.’ 

Fifth-placed Spurs instead claimed a third victory from their last four matches against Pep Guardiola’s side despite Cristian Romero’s late red card to aid the recovery of absent manager Antonio Conte, who is still in Italy after having his gallbladder removed on Wednesday.

Micah Richards added: ‘From Spurs’ point of view it’s brilliant. From Man City’s point of view, it’s not been good enough. 

‘We talked about the style of play and playing with a number nine last season and we were talking about they definitely need a number nine to finish of all their chances. They won four leagues in five without a recognised striker. I think City are a little bit different now. I think they force it a little bit too much. 

‘In fairness to Haaland he’s making so many runs, especially in that first half, and no one has seen him. Alvarez was in there trying to play that number ten role and he’s not that sort of player. You’re looking for De Bruyne to make that assist. 

‘When De Bruyne came on in the second half it changed a little bit. He was getting onto the ball, making crosses from both sides, but they’re just missing that spark at this moment in time.’ 

Harry Kane’s record-breaking goal delivered a blow to the champions’ titles hopes 

Striker Erling Haaland did not enjoy one of his more sparkling performances for City

City’s players grew increasingly frustrated with referee Andy Madley during Sunday’s match

Jamie Carragher has cast doubt over whether Manchester City can get the better of Arsenal