Jamie Carragher labelled the Premier League as 'embarrassing' and 'a joke' during Newcastle's defeat to Manchester City, last night.
The former Liverpool defender expressed his feelings towards the tactics of smaller clubs against the top six, slating their negative approach to games, especially when they play at home.
"It's not just Newcastle but the Premier League in general, when they come up against the top six, certainly at home, it's becoming embarrassing." Carragher said on Sky Sports.
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"The Premier League now is becoming a bit of a joke league, with the top teams being so far ahead of the ones at the bottom. For those clubs, it's almost like they are accepting they are going to lose the game, as long as it is only one or two-nil."
Carragher continued, saying: "The Premier League has been built on every team having a go, that's why everyone around the world wants to watch it. Will they keep watching if they keep seeing football like that?"
In my opinion, Carragher certainly has a point. In years gone by the league has been famed for its competitive nature, but it seems there has become a huge gap between the top and bottom clubs.
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The Sky Sports pundit went on to talk about the 'sad state of affairs' in the league, referring to Newcastle's tactics against Pep Guardiola's side.
'I have no problem with them sitting deep, I played under Rafa Benitez, and it's not just Newcastle, I've seen it virtually every week. There has got to be some sort of aggression, some sort of plan for winning the ball back and then going forward.
"It's seeing it at home. When every team came to Anfield they played like that, but at home, it's a sad state of affairs for the Premier League."
Carragher explained his point further after the full-time whistle:
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"I was scathing more of the Premier League in general rather than Newcastle, and there is no problem with sitting deep, of course you are going to do that against City - but once they go into Newcastle's half, where is the aggression? City had ten yards of space when they were 30 yards from goal.
"It's difficult to counter attack against City because they are so good on the ball, and when you win it they are good at getting it back off you. It was more the aggression, letting City take two or three touches. This is at Newcastle, an intimidating place with an atmosphere. It was too easy.
"The main aim of every manager against Man City now is to try and stay in the game as long as possible. Newcastle are in the game, 1-0 down with 10 to go, almost scored, 1-1 would have been a great result.
"It's just sad really for the Premier League if people think it is about keeping the score down. It wasn't great defending from Newcastle that meant they were still in the game, it was because Aguero forgot his shooting boots. It should have been three or four-nil.'
Gary Neville also accused Newcastle of showing 'no ambition' on Wednesday evening:
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"He makes this Newcastle tactic look embarrassing. It has to change. There's defending, and there's showing absolutely no ambition whatsoever. If it were a boxing match, the referee would have stopped it. Hopefully it will spark them into life, to give them something to watch."
Thoughts on this very debated topic? Has the Premier League changed in recent times? Did Newcastle's tactics against Man City scream negative or was it clever management from Rafael Benitez?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Manchester City, newcastle, Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher
