Jamie Carragher says the Capital One Cup exits for Arsenal and Manchester United are actually a blessing for the clubs this season, as both sides aim to catch Manchester City in the title race.
Championship opposition knocked both teams out - Arsenal were defeated 3-0 by Sheffield Wednesday, and Manchester United lost on penalties to Middlesbrough.
"We'd all say Man City are the team we all fancy to win the title but I think for United and Arsenal it may not be the end of the world," Carragher said on Sky Sports.
"They're the two sides now you look at who could sneak the title from City. If [Sergio] Aguero was out for a long time, if [David] Silva was out for long time."
"Those three weeks that you get [from not playing in the Capital One Cup], the training sessions with the manager, fresh for the weekend. It could actually help them in the long run.
"They'll be disappointed going out, the chance of a trophy gone, but in terms of the long run for the Champions League and trying to put pressure on Man City, it could actually work in their favour."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments