The month of December is one for the football purest, the period of the year where there seems to be a game every other day, and mixed in with the festive cheer, for many a football fan, it can make or break their Christmas holiday. With no lacklustre European winter break, the Premier League hits full throttle, where some will thrive, and others, bottle.

After a November in which many, including me, had declared an assessment of Arsenal’s title credentials, December poses a different kind of test for The Gunners. A month where the games come faster than Jesus Navas first goal against Spurs last week, it will be important for Arsenal to gain the momentum, that will catapult us into the new year on top of the table.

Not for the first time Wenger has gone against his critics, annoyed by the fact that his team have to prove themselves title contenders. ‘November is not a time to prove our quality, but to show how strong we are’ the boss said. Two resolute displays against Liverpool and Dortmund respectively, both games in which we put in a strong defensive performance, has meant many ‘experts’ have seen us in a different light.

A frustrating defeat to Manchester United, has been our only blip in what has otherwise been an exceptional month. In what felt a bit like a missed opportunity at Old Trafford, we refused to rest on our laurels, rounding off the month with two strong victories against high flying Southampton and a strong willed Cardiff side. Ironically, the emphatic victory in Cardiff has turned out to be one of our strongest statements.

So, having extended our lead at the top of the Premier League in November, does this mean that The Gunners have proved themselves as title candidates, or, do they further have to convince the doubters, as we enter the most congested part of the season?

The fixtures

Hull City (H) - At home this should be a routine victory for The Gunners, growing consistency at home means Arsenal can be more confident not to slip up in games such as this one. City will be a tough team break down, but, The Arsenal should have plenty to outgun The Tigers.

Everton (H) - An extremely important fixture if Arsenal are to strengthen their title credentials. Everton have been playing with freedom and a new found attacking prowess under Martinez and the introduction of Lukaku. Should be an open game, which, will require another strong defensive performance if we are to prevail.

Manchester City (A) - The rate of knots that City have been scoring at home is scary, and this will be The Gunners toughest test of the campaign. Arsenal will need an extremely organised and disciplined performance, a la Dortmund, if we are to have a chance at the Etihad.

Chelsea (H) - A tough start to the plethora of games surrounding Christmas week, which, dictates many football fans calendars, with four games in seven days. You hope the defeat in the Capital One Cup doesn’t affect our mentality going into the game, albeit was a much weakened Arsenal side. No reason not to be confident.

West Ham (A) - The Hammers have struggled supremely for home form this season, with victory over struggling Fulham their first at Upton Park since the opening day of the season. Always a tough physical battle, but you feel Arsenal will have enough zip to break them down.

Newcastle (A) - A tough ground to visit any time of the year, but Arsenal will be buoyed from clinching the champions’ league spot at St. James Park at the end of last season. The Toon Army have begun to take control of their home form, with a victory over Chelsea and a draw with Liverpool. An important game as it sits in the middle of four in a week, pivotal to how strong Arsenal finish the year.

Assessing the competition

It is likely to be a long hard month for many a team or two this December, and Arsenal have the advantage of playing a game less than their Premier League rivals. Tottenham, United, City and Chelsea all have League Cup commitments, and playing nine games in a month is likely to take its toll.

Liverpool are the only other club that don’t have this pile up of fixtures. Despite this, the face an extremely tough end to the year, with both Man City and Chelsea away. As for The Blues, they certainly have a chance to push forward through December, with two home games against the two top clubs likely to see them challenging by the end of the month.

If we remember back to last season, this was the period in which United began their push for the title, but now, it is Arsenal who are in prime position to assert themselves at the top of the table. Important injuries will return for The Gunners throughout the month, and our squad looks remarkably stronger than this time last year.

It will no doubt be a tough month for all involved, and although I fancy The Gunners to hold top spot come January, the presence of Manchester City and Chelsea will be felt strongly.

League Fixtures - December

*Excluding 1st December fixtures - Game Week 13 started in November

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