Does Arsenal have enough firepower to catch Liverpool?

Arsenal came back in style on Wednesday after two miserable cup matches last week.

Mikel Arteta and his team put together a very nice 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby. With the win, the Gunners claimed victories in both Premier League matches this season versus their rivals just three miles down the road. The victory also moved Arsenal back into second place on the Premier League table just four points behind league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

Overall, it was a good performance, however, there were several defensive lapses that either resulted in Hotspur goals or near misses. Maybe it’s time to give William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes a breather to regain fresh legs and focus. Jakub Kiwior and Jurrien Timber have shown to be solid defenders on the back line and are more than capable of filling in.

Offensively, Leandro Trossard’s goal was magnificent, however, the basic problem still exists, Arsenal needs a stronger presence inside the box to score goals. The club remains extremely inconsistent in hitting the net from short range. Of course, goals from set pieces remains in tack, but this can not to a fallback in every close match. Eventually opponents will devise plans to stop the Gunners prowess from corner kicks.

The January transfer window is now half over, which means the front office has two weeks to get the job done and acquire a premier striker. Currently, Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres seems to be the front runner, at least in the minds of the media. Without Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri the club needs additional firepower, and quickly.  However, the biggest problem Arsenal face in this window is a lack of funds. Several current players need to go before a big signing can take place. Kieran Tierney is high on the that list.

At the end of the day, the Gunners have keep themselves in the league title race. Liverpool has recently shown vulnerability, dropping four points in their last two league matches, as well as losing a Carabao Cup semifinal to Tottenham Hotspur. Yes, there are kinks in the Liverpool armor, but these kinks can only be exposed if Arsenal takes advantage by picking up as many points as possible. The Gunners already have seven draws in the league this season, which is too many and that number can not continue to grow going forward.

Next up is Aston Villa, Unai Emery’s club that help destroy Arsenal’s title chances last season. Come Saturday, the Emirates will be rocking and the boys will be full of vim and vigor to send the Villians home with their tails wagging between their legs.

COYG!

Cheers.

Gunner1953