Thursday 4 February 2016 15:39, UK
Arsenal’s lack of attacking options could hinder their hopes of winning the Premier League title, according to Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.
A run of four league games without a win has seen Arsenal slip behind north London rivals Tottenham into fourth position, five points adrift of leaders Leicester.
Arsenal's stuttering form has coincided with a lack of goals, with the Gunners firing blanks against Stoke, Chelsea and Southampton in their last three league outings - the first time they have done so since February 2009.
It's a point which worries former Gunners midfielder Merson, who believes Wenger should have taken the opportunity to bolster his struggling attacking line in the January transfer window.
"I was very disappointed Arsenal didn't do more business on Deadline Day," Merson told Sky Sports News HQ. "They needed a centre forward, they need to score goals.
"All the clubs down the bottom signed strikers to help them avoid relegation, and it's the same if you're going for titles, you need to score goals.
"If Olivier Giroud gets injured, Arsenal are in major trouble in terms of winning the league."
A consistent end to 2015 saw the Gunners enter the New Year top of league and on course to end a 12-season wait to be crowned champions.
They travel to Bournemouth on Super Sunday looking to give their floundering title challenge a timely boost and Merson believes it is imperative Arsenal leave the Vitality Stadium with three points.
"For me, Sunday's game at Bournemouth is a cup final - they have to win, it's as simple as that," he added.
"It's a good game for Arsenal because they're not going to be kicked off the park, Bournemouth are a nice footballing team.
"Arsenal will play the same way as they have done ever since Arsene Wenger got there 20 years ago and they'll get the ball down, pass and keep faith in the way they play.
"But, for me, this is a must-win game, a draw is just no good for Arsenal now. They gone from title favourites to playing catch-up in no time.
"If they lose at Bournemouth, and Manchester United win at Chelsea, all of a sudden there are two points between those two, and things will start to get worrying."
Watch Bournemouth v Arsenal live on Super Sunday, 12.30pm, Sky Sports 1 HD
