Arsenal’s twelve game unbeaten run came to an end against Dortmund, two defeats and a victory means in the past week means The Gunners will have their resilience tested quickly, as November promises to deliver a tough list of fixtures.

With three fixtures either side of an international break, for those players who will be involved for their respected national team as well their club fixtures, it is sure to be a challenging period.

Although we are expecting the return of Walcott, Podolski and Chamberlain throughout the month, the loss of Flamini is likely to be a big one. If we find Arsenal entering into the most salivating period of the footballing calendar, without our key players and a questionable run of form, then things might not look so pretty for the league leaders.

The confidence that has been mounting since the opening day defeat to Aston Villa, has meant that for many, Arsenal have become genuine title contenders. Despite this Arsenal’s toughest critics have yet to be convinced that the current squad has the maturity, or the depth to challenge for the Premier League this season.

In many ways it would be harsh to scrutinize too much Dortmund’s victory at the Emirates. A narrow loss to the Champions League runners-up, a team who have been lighting up European football over the past couple of seasons is nothing to cry about. But, for many, it highlights the shortcomings of a team who have come to expect a lot after a strong start to the season.

The course of the month will not be smooth, many unforeseen circumstances will arise throughout an extremely tight fixture list. The quality and the sharpness of the football is likely to fall by the wayside, and many will have refined their opinion of the Arsenal squad after the obstacles November possesses.

The fixtures

Liverpool (H) - With the much talked about SaS partnership, Arsenal will have to be spot on defensively at Anfield. Likely to be an free-flowing game, it will be another interesting marker as to how far this Arsenal team has progressed.

Dortmund (A) - The defeat at the Emirates means The Gunners now have to win away in order to progress. A trip to Dortmund possesses a much harder task and I don’t think they will find it here.

Man Utd (A) - Never has Old Trafford looked so vulnerable, a sharp Arsenal performance and you would fancy them. United’s comeback against Stoke showed they’re still no pushovers.

Southampton (H) - Possibly the surprise package of the season, stringing together a great run of results has seen the Saints collect thirteen points from their last fifteen, including a draw at Old Trafford and victory at Anfield. At home this should be a victory for The Gunners.

Marseille (H) - This is now a must win game for Arsenal, and following a decent performance at the Stade Velodrome last month, they will be confident of a victory.

Cardiff (A) - Cardiff will be looking to make Cardiff City Stadium their fortress this season to keep their Premier League dreams alive. Arsenal’s fine away form should see them through, and hopefully Ramsey will continue his form against his old club.

Competition wide open

The three games before the international break certainly look tougher on paper, but, the three games after will hold just as much significance, if we fail to the desired results against the bigger clubs.

As the Champions League group hangs on a knife edge, the Premier League looks set to be one of the most widely fought in years. It would not be disastrous if Arsenal were to slip up a couple of times throughout November, but for a team that have become so accustom to winning, you hope it doesn’t dent their confidence too much.

Chelsea and Manchester City have a chance to assert themselves throughout November, with a slightly easier fixture list. This could well mean that The Gunners could lose their place at the top of the Premier League, but will continue to be well in contention. Tottenham and Liverpool may have more to lose this month and as we enter December, as many games look tough to call on paper.

League fixtures - November

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