Jamie Carragher has claimed that Arsenal's Premier League title hopes hinge on whether or not the Gunners exit the Champions League before the knockout stages.
Arsene Wenger's side thumped Manchester United 3-0 at the Emirates this evening to move two points adrift of leaders Manchester City and renew optimism of a title charge.
That win came days after their demoralising 3-2 defeat by Olympiacos to leave them bottom of Group F with zero points from a possible six, and the visit of Bayern Munich next up.
Consequently, Carragher feels that Arsenal - who have not progressed past the quarter-final stage for six years - might just benefit domestically if they exited Europe completely.
"Arsenal are never going to win the Champions League, they always go out at the quarter-final stage at best," the Liverpool legend told Sky Sports News. "So if they go out earlier it may actually be advantageous to them in terms of the title race.
"Arsenal need things to go for them this season and if they are going to win the league. They are not the best team, Manchester City are, they have the best squad.
"For them to win the title, it may be that they may need something and it could be going out of the Champions League."
Wenger has not won a league title for Arsenal since 2004.
Shane Callaghan
