Former Arsenal captain Frank McLintock insists the Gunners must buy a striker in the January transfer window if they want to win the Barclays Premier League table.

A 2-0 win over Liverpool has sent the club five points clear at the top of the table, but McLintock fears an injury to Olivier Giroud could prove damaging.

"I was very disappointed that we didn't get another centre-forward before the season started," he told Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.

"We've only got Giroud and sometimes Lukas Podolski can play in that position, but he's not as good when playing as a centre-forward - he looked quite lost and it's the same with Theo Walcott.

"If Giroud gets injured for any length of time, then all the good work that has been done already could go out of the window.

"Very much so I'd like (manager) Arsene Wenger to be active in January. If we don't get a centre-forward....

"We have a history at Arsenal of long-term injuries and if that happens to Giroud then unless we get someone in January.... but I think the club is well aware of that.

"You can't have any weaknesses in your team (if you want to win the title) and that's a potential weakness."