This may prove to be Arsenal's Achilles' heel unless Arsene Wenger signs a back-up for Olivier Giroud in January. They are heavily reliant on goals from midfield when the Frenchman is not firing, and Nicklas Bendtner is clearly no substitute. Liverpool's famed SAS – Suarez and Sturridge – left their shooting boots behind, though they are usually the best double act in the league. Sturridge was off target too many times, although Suarez showed Arsenal what they are missing.
Strength in depth
Arsenal's bench looked worryingly short on Premier League quality by comparison with Liverpool's, which was packed with exciting young players such as Raheem Sterling and Victor Moses as well as experienced professionals such as Daniel Agger. The likes of Chuba Akpom and Isaac Hayden may be fine products from the Arsenal academy, but will they be good enough to help the Gunners sustain a title challenge through a long and tiring season?
Overall
Arsenal are in the box seat, five points clear at the top of the table after a convincing win, but the worry for Wenger must be the lack of depth in his squad. They have an abundence of creativity in midfield including the player of the season so far in Aaron Ramsey, a solid and steady backline, and goals from all areas of the pitch. But they don't have the depth of Liverpool, let alone Chelsea or the Manchester clubs. Liverpool lost because they defended poorly and their usually reliable forward line let them down, and they cannot afford too many more off-days if they are to be considered genuine contenders.
Conclusion
Arsenal clearly ahead of Liverpool as title contenders.
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