JOE BERNSTEIN: Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard's telepathic understanding has dissipated, there's a big hole at No 9 and Kai Havertz is no Granit Xhaka - with one win in seven, are Arsenal collapsing

Instead, they face a battle to stay in the top four amid multiple problems Arsenal's investment was meant to spur them on towards the title this season Arsenal's gutsy 1-1 draw at Liverpool ensured Mikel Arteta’s men were top of the Premier League at Christmas. In this most competitive of seasons with Manchester City going for a historic fourth title in a row and Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham all stronger, Arteta needs to sort out Arsenal’s issues fast. Winger Gabriel Martinelli has two league goals compared to seven this time a year ago Asked if Arsenal can win the title, Mikel Arteta said: 'If we don’t improve in the boxes, no’ Given the amount of football the pair have played in recent years – hardly missing a game for their club and representing their nations England and Brazil – Arsenal fans will hope the fortnight off after their FA Cup loss to Liverpool will have regenerated the batteries. Kai Havertz cannot provide the front three with the same service that Granit Xhaka did Having Thomas Partey back could help to free up Declan Rice to maraud forward and score He’s already shown an eye for a goal during his short time at Arsenal, his last-minute winner at Luton following up high-profile strikes against Chelsea and Manchester United.