Steven Gerrard: Liverpool legend believes Arsenal will fall short in title race without 'midfield powerhouse'

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard believes Arsenal will continue to fall short in the Premier League title race until they sign a "midfield powerhouse" to do the "dirty work" in the middle of the park. The former England international midfielder wants to see more leaders in the Gunners' side as they look to win a title for the first time in over a decade.

Arsene Wenger's team are in the race for the Premier League title this season after 13 games and are currently in fourth place, two points behind league leaders Leicester City – yes you that read right. The Foxes have lost just once this season, have in their lineup the Premier League's top scorer Jamie Vardy, who has already netted 13 goals in as many games. The Englishman also looks to be on course to break former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy's record of scoring a goal in 10 consecutive games, when Leicester take on the Red Devils on 28 November.

It looks to be the most open season in terms of the title race, but reigning champions Chelsea are not involved after a disastrous start to the season, which sees them in 15<sup>th place, 14 points behind the league leaders. Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United will be favourites owing to their league positions and strength in depth, but Gerrard feels the north London club will falter due to the lack of a quality defensive midfielder in the squad.

Francis Coquelin has been outstanding for the Gunners this campaign, but suffered a major knee injury last weekend (21 November) and is set to be sidelined for at least three months, leaving Arsenal light in the defensive midfield department.

"This Arsenal team is littered with world class players and good players but they just seem to always fall that tiny bit short," Gerrard said, as quoted by the Mirror.

"Coquelin has been absolutely fantastic but for me, they don't have enough players who go that extra mile and do that little bit of dirty work."

"Until they get that big leader in defence and another powerhouse in midfield, I think they'll continue to come that little bit short," the former Liverpool captain added.