It's not quite Jay-Z's 99 problems, but Liverpool and Arsenal have No. 9 problems. Darwin Nunez has not scored for Liverpool since November 1 after an 11-match drought, while Gabriel Jesus has scored just three times in the Premier League this season.
Liverpool have scored 25 goals since Nunez last did so, while the hard-working Jesus contributes so much more than goals, so their profligacy can hardly be called an existential crisis. But can a team really win the title without a clinical number 9?
There were many factors that helped Manchester City storm to the Treble last season, from John Stones' hybrid role to the form of captain Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne, but the main reason for their success was undoubtedly Erling Haaland's goals . All 52.
Media and fans have overreacted to City's slumps over the past three seasons, with Pep Guardiola's men claiming a trio of titles in the second half of those campaigns. But while they have the muscle memory to win, things feel different this time.
That leaves an opening for Liverpool or Arsenal, who meet at Anfield on Saturday, knowing a win would put both sides at the top of the tree at Christmas. Both teams at times looked like formidable units capable of storming to a title victory. And no, Aston Villa, we have not forgotten you.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has not scored in his last 11 games in all competitions
Goals have also been difficult to come by for Gabriel Jesus, who has scored just three goals in the league this season
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Winning in the last minute, as both Liverpool and Arsenal have done more than once, could be dressed up as a hallmark of the champion mentality, and it is true that you earn your happiness in football. But will the luck of scoring late goals run out for these sides over the course of a season?
City were also occasionally wasteful in front of goal, but Haaland's fourteen goals, which led to another Golden Boot, speak volumes compared to Nunez's tally of four and three for Jesus, even though the latter has a time- spent out with a knee injury.
None of this is a criticism of either. As Jesus will remember from his time at Manchester, teams have won the title without a traditional number 9. He played largely on the wing in his final season at City as they operated with a 'false nine'.
Nunez is crucial to Jurgen Klopp's side, which was reflected in his creative skills in the 5-1 win over West Ham on Wednesday. He also never stops running and is a fan favorite among Kopites, with his name often the loudest cheer when the starting XIs are read out.
Jesus is also one of the most gifted footballers in the Premier League. The Brazilian has excellent control from close range, rarely loses possession, makes intelligent, progressive passes and is arguably the best in the league when it comes to operating in tight spaces.
Despite his lack of goals, Nunez is an important player for the Reds as he creates chances for others
Gabriel Jesus has said that scoring is 'not my strong suit', but he did score last weekend and he is also making the team play better
“Scoring is not my strong suit,” Jesus said last month while on international duty with Brazil. It's a crazy thing for a striker to come up with, although we might let him go for the all-round brilliance he brings to his teams.
But it's no secret that Arsenal want a new man at the helm, with Mikel Arteta's men having long been interested in Ivan Toney. While a January move for the Brentford star is unlikely, you can imagine how much the England international would boost the Gunners' chances of a title challenge.
Nunez, meanwhile, does not have the all-round game of Jesus and is more of a traditional striker. It is difficult to remember a more baffling striker than the Uruguayan, who at times looks worth every penny of the £85m fee but at others looks out of his depth.
“Darwin is full of desire, you can see that in every match,” assistant manager Pep Lijnders said this week. 'And if we were to judge players only on goals, that would be so unfair. And above all, I have the feeling that Darwin is playing a much better season than last year.'
He is right. Cody Gakpo was favored as a false nine for much of the second half of last season, as he was superior to Nunez in the defensive and pressing side of the game. Klopp and Lijnders often talk about 'defending the centre', something Nunez has now improved.
The 24-year-old has doubled his number of English lessons this season, now taking two 40-minute sessions a week, and that has led to an improvement in his understanding with teammates, especially an ever-growing partnership with Mohamed Salah. .
Cody Gakpo could get the win over Nunez on Saturday, but Nunez can still make an impact off the bench
Nunez will also play a key role when Mohamed Salah heads to AFCON next month
Lijnders has been working with the striker on the mental side of his game so that he is not overtaxed when he misses chances, while fellow Latin American Alexis Mac Allister is also said to be providing instructions to Nunez.
He is clearly a striker who is on the mend, despite his recent goal drought. Next month will be crucial, however, as Salah, with 11 goals – seven more than Nunez – will soon head to Ivory Coast for the African Cup of Nations to play for Egypt.
Salah and Japan captain Wataru Endo will be available to play in the New Year's game against Newcastle, but will then head to AFCON and the Asia Cup respectively. Salah could miss eight games (including a potential FA Cup fourth round) if Egypt reach the final on February 11.
With no Liverpool player coming close to Salah's total of eleven this season – Diogo Jota is also on four – it really is time for the Uruguayan to find a lethal goal. He has squandered several golden opportunities, although he has also had some bad luck, hitting the woodwork a class high five times.
However, in a potentially worrying sign for Nunez, he remained on the pitch for 90 minutes during Wednesday's win over West Ham, with Gakpo substituted towards the end. That could indicate that Gakpo, who played at number nine with Nunez out wide, could get the nod against Arsenal.
There will of course be changes as Liverpool complete a total of 135 minutes of training since their Europa League trip to Belgium nine days ago. This is due to the accumulation of matches and there have only been four sessions: one of 30 minutes and the other of 35 minutes.
Eddie Nketiah has more league goals than Jesus, but Arsenal lack the Brazilian's creativity when he is not playing
As for Jesus, there was a sense last season that his impact on the team – in terms of pressing, linking play, linking up with midfield and attack, title-winning mentality, plus leadership – was enormous, even without the goals. the team was worse off when he went out injured.
Fellow striker Eddie Nketiah has been more ruthless in front of goal, with five goals this season, but Arsenal clearly miss Jesus' inventiveness and creativity when he is not in the team. And Mikel Arteta's side can get goals from other areas, including Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz.
In fact, Arsenal have had thirteen different players score league goals this season, while Liverpool are just behind with twelve. Can any of these teams win the title with the aforementioned No. 9 issues?
Yes, of course they can, but goals from Nunez or Jesus – if they find them – could tip it in their club's favour.