3 talking points as Arsenal draw at Anfield to retain top spot

• Arsenal's lack of depth is a big problem

• Officiating levels remain worryingly low

• At its core, this team can compete

Liverpool FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Liverpool FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League / Michael Regan/GettyImages
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The points were shared at Anfield as Arsenal held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw - a result which sees the Gunners stay top of the league for Christmas.

After a Gabriel header earned Arsenal an early lead in the game, the Gunners' chances of a result away to the Reds looked better than ever but, despite an impressive and spirited performance, it was not to be.

An excellent second-half strike by Mohamed Salah earned Jurgen Klopp’s side a point, which could have been more given a contentious handball earlier in the game.


3 talking points as Arsenal draw at Anfield to retain top spot

Overall a draw felt like a fair result, and sees Arsenal stay top. Here are the three key talking points from the game.

1. Squad depth could cost Arsenal silverware

Mohamed Elneny
PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal FC: Group B - UEFA Champions League 2023/24 / BSR Agency/GettyImages

It goes without saying that to compete on all fronts, you need a big, and talented squad of players to be able to call upon.

Though we are no longer in the Carabao Cup, Arsenal will still hope to compete for three major honours (the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup), but our current squad depth almost certainly will not allow for that.

This issue has partly arisen due to injuries, but also a lack of quality among some of our lesser-used players in the squad.

Against Liverpool, when we were searching for a winner, we made just two substitutes - owing largely to a lack of quality on the bench.

This means we are unable to properly change games late on like many of our rivals can, and is an issue that needs to be addressed in the January transfer window - otherwise we may see our hopes of silverware go up in smoke as our squad is stretched to its limit.

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