Carra: Arsenal an example

Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal's commitment to youth development is the perfect example for the rest of the Barclays Premier League.

The Reds defender has been impressed by the way Arsene Wenger has resisted the opportunity to splash millions on big-name signings and feels their approach deserves praise - not criticism.

Carragher said: "You look at the money Manchester City have spent and Arsenal are still the main challengers to Manchester United.

"Chelsea won the double last season, and again Arsenal are still the biggest challengers.

"The criticism Arsenal have been getting over the past few years for not winning anything is a bit harsh - you forget the money these other teams have spent compared to Arsenal.

"Arsenal are a magnificent club and the way they go about things, promoting young players, they are a fantastic example to everyone."

One of the major positives to be taken from Liverpool's 2010-11 campaign has been the emergence of their own young pretenders.

The likes of Martin Kelly, Jay Spearing and John Flanagan have all flourished since Kenny Dalglish assumed the hot-seat, while 17-year-old left-back Jack Robinson came off the bench to give an assured display at the Emirates.

Carragher is convinced their development promises a bright future for the club and has heaped further praise upon the Reds' revamped Academy set-up.

"Having all these young players is great testament to them and the work done down at the Academy as well as the manager for giving them a chance," he said.

"To achieve what we have in the past two games with all the injuries and having to play the young lads bodes really well for the future this season and next.

"Over the past few years our academy has had a bit of criticism, but if you look at the last 15 or 20 years, there can't be many clubs who have produced more quality players than Liverpool.

"It is great to have them in the side, and it also saves the club money."

Liverpool's 1-1 draw at Arsenal means they are now four points adrift of fifth-placed Tottenham having played two games more.

However, Carragher remains upbeat about their hopes of catching the Londoners as they continue in their bid to snatch a Europa League berth.

"There have been a few times where we thought we can catch Spurs, then a couple of times when we lose a game that we can't - now after these last two games we probably think we can," said Carragher.

"We have now got two homes games to come, but the best thing is not to worry about Tottenham and just worry about ourselves, then see at the end of the season where we come."

The January acquisition of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll has left Carragher optimistic that the Reds can bolster their ranks over the course of the next few months and ensure they are back in the reckoning for the honours come next season.

He added: "We did fantastic business in January and I am sure they will be looking to do the same again in the summer because while we are on a good run and there is a feel-good factor about the place, we still all realise that being fifth, sixth or seventh is not good enough for Liverpool."

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