Arsenal, the Christmas leaders, are competing on four fronts; they face 9 matches in January, averaging a game every 3-4 days — if they keep their form, they will contend for the title.

Arsenal have achieved the Premier League Christmas number one spot this season; however, in the last three seasons, January has been a stumbling block leading to three straight second-place finishes, including two times as Christmas leaders, but never winning the league.

In the early hours of December 24 (Beijing time), Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 8-7 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the League Cup quarter-finals to reach the last four, where they will face Chelsea! This means Arsenal are competing on four fronts this season: Premier League, Champions League, League Cup, and FA Cup. Consequently, January brings an extremely congested schedule, with Arsenal playing 9 matches, averaging one game every 3-4 days, including four matches against strong opponents.

Arsenal’s schedule from late December through early February (Beijing time) is as follows:

1. December 27, Premier League home match against Brighton.
2. December 31, Premier League home match against Aston Villa.
3. January 4, Premier League away match against Bournemouth.
4. January 9, Premier League home match againstLiverpool.
5. January 10, FA Cup away match against Portsmouth (to be confirmed).
6. January 15, League Cup away match againstChelsea.
7. January 18, Premier League away match against Nottingham Forest.
8. January 21, Champions League away match againstInter Milan.
9. January 26, Premier League home match againstManchester United.
10. January 29, Champions League home match against Almaty Kairat.
11. January 31, Premier League away match against Leeds United.
12. February 6, League Cup home match againstChelsea.
13. February 7, Premier League home match against Sunderland.
14. February 13, Premier League away match against Brentford.

Arsenal’s previous Premier League title challenges often faltered during January’s congested fixtures, mainly due to a lack of attacking power and Arteta’s reluctance to rotate the squad. Manchester City trail Arsenal by only 2 points; given City’s attacking strength and title-winning experience, if Arsenal slips in more than two matches, City will likely overtake them. Therefore, Arsenal’s key to winning the title is to avoid dropping points during the upcoming packed schedule, starting with the home game against Aston Villa as the first test.

Come on, Arsenal! The Gunners need a new Premier League trophy...