Arsenal lacking killer touch and a rejuvenated Man Utd: Three talking points from the Premier League
LONDON, Jan 6 — Liverpool ended the weekend where they started — with a six-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League following an enthralling 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United.
The inconsistent Gunners will rue dropped points at Brighton while Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are now winless in four games.
AFP Sport looks at three talking points from the action as the English top flight pauses for League Cup and FA Cup action in the week to come.
Just when it appeared as though Arsenal could put real pressure on Liverpool they stumbled at Brighton, drawing 1-1 — the ninth game in which they have dropped points this season.
Only Liverpool and Tottenham have scored more than the Gunners’ tally of 39 Premier League goals but their top scorer is Kai Havertz, with just seven.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah leads the way with 18 and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has 16.
Arsenal huffed and puffed against Brighton, mustering just nine shots, with only three on target.
In mitigation, Havertz was missing with an illness and captain Martin Odegaard was only fit enough for a place on the bench while Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s most dangerous attacker, is a long-term absentee.
Arteta, whose team have finished as runners-up over the past two seasons, may be forced to act in the January transfer window if he is to give his side the edge they need.
