Roy Keane has accused Jamie Carragher of "playing games" following the Liverpool icon's prediction that Arsenal are amongst the leading contenders to lift the Champions League trophy.
Although Liverpool responded with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night, their four-game losing streak before the match in Germany had led to many losing faith in Arne Slot's side's capabilities of defending their Premier League crown or challenging in Europe.
Carragher believes Arsenal will be Liverpool's main rivals on both fronts and has been accused of trying to pile the pressure on the Reds' rivals by inflating their chances of Champions League glory.
Following the Gunners' commanding 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid, which secured their third consecutive triumph in Europe's premier club tournament this season, Carragher told CBS Sports: "I do look at this team now and see how strong they are defensively. My Liverpool team that won the Champions League were not a great team attacking-wise but we were strong defensively.
"That always gives you a chance, especially when you get to the knockout stages and the two-legged ties. If you're strong defensively you've always got a chance. So, yeah, I see Arsenal as one of the four or five teams that can win this competition."
Discussing Carragher's assessment on Thursday's instalment of The Overlap, Keane claimed the former Liverpool and England defender was deliberately attempting to intensify the spotlight on the north London club.
"Jamie said last night that Arsenal are favourites for the Champions League, well he put them as favourites," former Lionesses star Jill Scott began.
Keane then offered his interpretation, saying: "Jamie plays games like that, doesn't he? He puts them favourites to put the pressure off Liverpool, a little bit, there's a little bit of that.
"But we all sit here and say, who's going to win the league and we're all going to say Arsenal now and that's putting pressure on them."
Scott responded: "I'm still sticking with Chelsea."
Keane expressed his disbelief, stating: "Jill I'm serious now, do you drink alcohol in the morning? How do you think Chelsea can win the league, they gave up about 10 chances against Nottingham Forest by playing out from the back. You think they're better than Arsenal?".
Scott retorted: "You change your mind all the time."
Keane couldn't resist reminding Scott of his prediction before the season started, adding: ''When did I change my mind, who did I say at the start of the season for the title? I said Arsenal."
Arsenal have been on a winning streak with six victories across all competitions, including three in the Premier League, and are currently three points ahead of second-place Manchester City.
The Gunners' latest triumph was a convincing one, as Atletico were defeated in a resounding victory for Mikel Arteta's team. Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli put Arsenal 2-0 up and in cruise control before Viktor Gyokeres scored a quick-fire brace to add to the scoreline.