Arsenal will need a big second half of the season to surpass Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal are in solid form heading towards Christmas, and sent a message to the rest of the top flight that they mean with business with Saturday’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.
However, seeing Bukayo Saka limp off injured in that match was a blow for Arsenal. At this stage it is unclear how serious the winger’s condition is or how long he will be sidelined for.
In any case, Gabriel Martinelli was able to step up for Arsenal in Saka’s place, and Gabriel Jesus’ dramatic recent return to form has given the Gunners another reason for optimism.
The edge Liverpool have over Arsenal in Premier League title race
Although Mikel Arteta’s side look to be finding their groove, they are already very much on the back foot in the Premier League title race.
Given the lead that Liverpool already have at the top of the table, and the games in hand at their disposal, Arne Slot’s team are well placed to be crowned champions this time around.
On top of those facts, former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp also believes that the Reds’ greater strength in depth compared to Arsenal will give them an edge in the second half of the campaign.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “They’re [Arsenal] going to work on the basis where Liverpool will drop points… Liverpool, of course, they’re the team right now that’s in great form. But we all know how quickly form can disappear. They’ve actually been brilliant because they’ve done it with a few injuries as well.
“But what Liverpool have got that I think Arsenal still need – and I think if they can do it in January it’ll give them even more of a chance – so many people can come of the bench to make a different, make an impact [for Liverpool]. Arsenal are just short in that area.
“I still think they need another striker, or another forward player… Just to add some goals and a bit of experience. Just to bolster that forward line. If Saka is going to be out however long, have they got someone to fill that void?”
Who Arsenal must buy in January to become champions
Despite Jesus’ recent flurry of goals, Arsenal have been told that they still need to sign a striker.
Arteta must make bringing a reliable, clinical goalscorer to the Emirates Stadium his top priority this winter.
The Gunners have been linked with a host of forwards in recent windows. However, Viktor Gyokeres would be the perfect recruit for Arsenal. The Swedish star offers pace, power, and has been absolutely prolific for some time.
If Saka is set for an extended spell on the treatment table, there may also be a need to bring in a winger to fill in for the Hale End academy graduate.
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