The month of December was undoubtedly Arsenal’s toughest yet. A period in which The Gunners went four games without a victory, and although much of has been made of their consistency, this was not the kind that has defined a strong year for Wenger’s men.

What is most satisfying for Gunners fans is that they remain on top after the festive period. After sacrificing it briefly to a resurgent Liverpool, Arsenal climbed back to the top after two away victories. Liverpool’s two game dip in form means they now sit fifth, and highlights how tight it’ll be until the end of the season. January though, I predict, will be good month for The Arsenal.

Not so January blues

Arsenal’s resurgence towards the end of the month means they will not have the Christmas cobwebs to clear, as others might. If we manage to beat Cardiff at home tomorrow, which many of you I’m sure are feeling confident about, then that always tough cluster of games surrounding the festive period will have been nothing more than yet another declaration of Arsenal’s title credentials.

For the Arsenal squad, January is month that could well be a cause of optimism for Gunners fans across the globe. With only the F.A Cup to distract from remaining on top of the Premier League table, as we edge towards the run-in.

Arsenal have ended December with two distinctly different, but equally impressive away victories. Coming from behind against West Ham and grinding out a result against a resolute Newcastle. Both could have easily gone the other way, both highlight the resilience the Arsenal team have obtained this year.

And then there is our January opponents’ form, over the last six games they lie 14th, 15th, 16th and 18th respectively, whilst mustering up two wins between them in their last twelve games combined. On paper, these all appear very winnable games for The Gunners, but to steal an age old cliché, football isn’t played on paper and the extent of injuries mounting up worrying.

The Fixtures

Cardiff City (H) - After an impressive 3-0 victory at the Cardiff City stadium back in November, Arsenal will have plenty of confidence. A manager-less Cardiff fighting for survival will make a good battle, but Arsenal will have to seriously assess their trophy plans if they lose this one. A good opportunity to rest key players.

Aston Villa (A) - The Villains have been struggling to score at home this season, so a decent attacking performance should give us victory. We all remember the first game of the season, where Villa highlighted our defensive susceptibility to the counter attack. The Arsenal boys will surely be looking to make a mends for a defeat that brought the Emirates to boiling point.

Fulham (H) - Meulensteen’s Fulham have the best form of the teams we are facing throughout January, despite lying only 18th in the Premier League. Whilst it appeared at first as if Meulensteen was making a difference, a 6-0 drumming at Hull on boxing day signals trouble. Added to their poor away form, this should be comprehensive victory.

Southampton (A) - The trip to St.Mary’s will be Arsenal’s sternest test of the calendar month. However, The Saints have not won in their last three home games and have slipped to ninth after a promising start to the season, whilst Arsenal’s away form has been impressive thus far. An organised and gritty performance will be needed here.

Assessing the competition

As another month passes by in the Premier League, Manchester City’s and Chelsea’s title credentials take another step forward, yet The Gunners remain sturdy at the top of the table.

For Manchester City this could well be a tricky month. Three tough away games, as well as F.A. Cup and two League Cup games, means this will be a jam packed month for the Blues. They have yet to fully establish their away form, so are most likely in my eyes to drop points this month.

Chelsea also look to be building up ahead of steam, and have put in some steely performances. Liverpool have perhaps the easiest month of fixtures, capped off with a huge derby at Anfield that could decide which of the Liverpudlian teams finish in the top four.

Here we concentrate on who I believe will be in the top four come the end of January, but so far it has been easy to forget Manchester United. On somewhat of resurgence throughout December, they too have a tough month in January and may find it difficult to work their way into the top four.

League Fixtures and Predictions - January

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