Jamie Carragher has identified a potential stumbling block in Arsenal’s bid to secure a first Premier League title in 20 years.

The Gunners pushed Manchester City to the limit last season and held on to the title challenge until the final day, only to be beaten again by Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering team.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won 16 of their last 18 games to rack up an impressive points tally, but Carragher insisted their only defeat in that run ultimately dashed their ambitions for silverware.

‘To put it simply, if Arsenal had beaten Villa once in the Premier League last season they would have been champions,’ the former Liverpool defender wrote in his column for The Telegraph.

‘Their bid effectively ended when they were beaten 2-0 by Unai Emery’s team on April 14, having lost to their former manager in December the previous year.’

Jamie Carragher has insisted Arsenal are approaching a crucial moment in the title race

Mikel Arteta’s side made a strong start to the campaign with a 2-0 win over Wolves last week

On Saturday they play against Aston Villa, a club that beat them both home and away last season

After a comfortable 2-0 win over Wolves in their Premier League opener last weekend, the club take on the only team to record two consecutive Premier League victories last season on Saturday.

Carragher added that even at such an early stage in the season a win could be vital to Arsenal’s title challenge.

‘The title battle effectively started on the opening weekend, as points carelessly dropped before Christmas can haunt a team well into May,’ he continued.

‘That makes Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa a huge psychological test early on. It sounds ridiculous to suggest that Arsenal can’t afford to lose at Villa Park as they did last season – a game they deserved at least a draw in.

‘It would be foolish to lose confidence because of an early setback, if it happens.

‘The problem is not so much the consequences of dropping points at one of the toughest venues, but the historical burden they have to bear to keep pace with City.

‘The champions act as if every point lost is crucial, putting the rest under unbearable pressure from the start.’

Ollie Watkins’ late goal sealed the Villans’ victory in April and ended Arsenal’s title challenge

Carragher added that dropping points against Unai Emery’s team could have major long-term implications for Arsenal

Arsenal are continuing to look to strengthen their squad ahead of another title challenge, having signed Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori earlier this summer.

The club agreed a £33million deal on Thursday to sign Spain international Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad on a four-year contract.