Arsenal made it to the top of the Premier league table for the second consecutive week. This time they have held the top spot for longer than an afternoon, they have thirty two points with sixteen games played. Man United are hot on their heels in second place with only one point separating the two teams, they also have a game in hand. Chelsea on the other hand are third in the league after a run of bad results and are 2 points behind Arsenal.
Are Arsenal going to maintain their position at the top?
The Gunners will face a tough challenge in their next league game at Old Trafford, Man United are always extremely strong at home and in recent years Arsenal have failed to get the upper hand over them. The Red Devils will fight to go back to the top and after their 7-1 thrashing of Blackburn Rovers morale will be at its highest. Arsenal will need to concentrate throughout the whole game, they are good enough to win but somehow lack the confidence when it comes to playing their biggest rivals. If Arsenal beat Man Utd they will be clear at the top by 4 points which will be beneficial even though United will still have a game in hand. It will not be easy but Arsenal can keep the top spot if they bring their game to Old Trafford.
Will the Christmas period be important?
The games in the run up to Christmas and the remainder or the Christmas schedule will be crucial to Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea. All three teams are playing each other in their next five games, Man Utd have tough games ahead which may make it difficult to fully utilise their game in hand advantage. After Arsenal they have Chelsea away at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues recent home record may not be as strong as it has been after they dropped points against Sunderland and Everton, but they will not sit back quietly for Manchester United’s visit.
With the top three playing each other and the rest of their gruelling schedule over the festive season, the teams will need to be mentally and physically strong. If Arsenal can maintain their current run and get the results against United and Chelsea it will put them in a brilliant position for heading towards the title. They will need to be alert during their other games with Stoke City, Wigan and Birmingham they cannot get complacent or over confident and drop points.
The Christmas period is likely to separate the men from the boys, it will show which team is capable of rising to the challenge.
Will Arsenal still be at the top in 2011?
