Jamie Carragher gives Arsenal’s percentage chance of winning the Premier League after Rodri’s injury for Man City

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After five games played, Arsenal are sitting fifth in the Premier League – Mikel Arteta’s side have earned three wins and two draws thus far.

Without context, some might see that as a slightly underwhelming start for Arsenal, considering their aspirations to keep pace with Manchester City.

However, Arteta’s side have now navigated three of the most difficult away trips of the Premier League calendar, beating Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur away, then being cruelly denied a third away win on the bounce at the Etihad.

Of course, since that 2-2 draw in Manchester, news has emerged that Pep Guardiola has lost his star midfielder Rodri to an ACL injury.

Another significant moment in the title-race, a player who is so difficult to replace for City, much like Martin Odegaard at Arsenal.

Jamie Carragher still doesn’t think Arsenal are title-favourites

Speaking on the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast, Jamie Carragher has now been reassessing Arsenal’s chances of winning the league on the back of the Rodri news.

It’s well documented that City’s winning percentage is massively affected when Rodri is missing – the amount of games they lose without the Spaniard also increases too.

READ MORE: What Arsenal players have been saying privately about how referees treat Man City

That being said, Carragher still thought the title race was completely in the balance, something Roy Keane disagreed with.

Carragher said: “I would say [after the Rodri injury] 50/50 now.”

Keane replied: “A little bit, but I’m still sticking with City. De Bruyne didn’t play last year, they have options to come back, Stones is sitting on the bench but it’s a huge loss.”

Of course, given how they’ve started the season and the players they still have to return, some Arsenal fans may feel as if their chances are now being understated.

Raheem Sterling could be Arsenal’s secret weapon

Whilst it won’t have too much significance in terms of the title-race, Arsenal’s 5-1 win against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup was a gratifying night for the Gunners.

Ethan Nwaneri proved his readiness to help substitute for Odegaard in the coming weeks.

Arteta was also impressed with Raheem Sterling, a four-time Premier League winner who can definitely help Arsenal this season.

Bukayo Saka didn’t have an obvious alternative until Sterling arrived, a player who is still hungry for success, perhaps motivated by all of his doubters.

So whilst Carragher only thinks Arsenal have a 50/50 chance, perhaps there is a little more confidence in N5 right now.