Arsenal find themselves in a familiar postion as they lead the Premier League with the holiday fixtures just around the corner.
The Gunners were in the same spot last year, and they led the league for most of the season until Manchester City usurped their position at the top of the table towards the end of the campaign.
Since then, the North London side have added key players to their squad, including Declan Rice and Kai Havertz. Both players have been crucial in helping Arsenal reach the top of the standings this season, but former Liverpool defender and Republic of Ireland international Mark Lawrenson isn't yet convinced by the make-up of the Gunners' squad.
Lawrenson was speaking to Paddy Power when he called into question Arsenal's ability to hold on to first place. He believes a crucial piece is still missing.
“Declan Rice and Kai Havertz aren’t the missing pieces for Arsenal in their quest for the title," Lawrenson said. "I still think they need a striker.
"If you look at Erling Haaland [at Manchester City], and Mo Salah [at Liverpool], and all those other big teams, they need someone who’s going to guarantee over 20 goals."
Lawrenson doesn't think Arsenal's current main scoring threat is enough to put them over the top.
“Gabriel Jesus is a really good player but he’s not a regular goal scorer and therein lies the difference. They need a striker who scores when they win 1-0.
"It’s easier to score when you’re two or three up. The 1-0 striker is worth his weight in gold.”