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Not so long ago, it looked like it was Arsenal's Premier League title to lose. However, the chances of finally winning the division under Mikel Arteta appear to be getting slimmer.
The Gunners dropped points against newly promoted Sunderland as they drew 2-2 at the Stadium of Light just before the international break. Manchester City are now just six points behind the Gunners, whilst dark horses Chelsea could also be contenders.
A key player was missing against Sunderland, Viktor Gyökeres, and Arsenal does not have a quality replacement for their center-forward. Mikel Merino, who is a midfielder, had to fill in up front against the Black Cats.
Merino had to do this last season, which was one of the reasons why the Gunners did not challenge Liverpool for the title.
Even if Kai Havertz or Gabriel Jesus return from injury, they are not the type of strikers that a title-winning side needs. Neither player has managed a 20-goal-a-season campaign at the club.
The jury is still out for Gyökeres, as he has so far scored just four goals in 10 Premier League games this season. He was phenomenal for Sporting CP, but that was in the Portuguese division.
Mikel Areta does not have an adequate replacement for Viktor Gyökeres
Arsenal's strength is that they have a depth of attacking talent elsewhere in their squad. They have quality offensive midfielders such as Eberechi Eze, whilst Bukayo Saka on the wing is already a Gunners legend.
Youngsters such as Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman show that the future is bright for Arsenal. Gabriel Magalhães is always a threat from set pieces.
Arsenal do have a lot of injured players to come back, such as their captain, Martin Ødegaard, and new signing from Chelsea, Noni Madueke.
Keeping players fit will be key to Arsenal winning the title or not, notably Gyökeres. It will be worth Arteta signing a back-up for his star striker in January. However, another floor by Arteta is that he often dithers on signings as he is so focused on recruiting the right characters.
It is no surprise that Arteta is hesitant about recruits. He had to get rid of perceived bad eggs such as Mesut Özil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in his early tenure as Arsenal manager.
It would be devastating for Arsenal if they were not to win the Premier League this season, which heaps the pressure on Gyökeres to perform.