The majority of Arsenal fans, me included, thought this season would turn into another disappointment when Arsene Wenger failed to properly reinforce the squad last summer but the Gunners have surprised everyone with their consistency and if it hadn’t been for all the injuries, the Gunners would probably be leading the race by now. Nonetheless, the three-point advantage Chelsea have over us is nothing special and we are still very much in the title race, which is an achievement by itself. With Chelsea set to feel the consequences of the Africa Cup of Nations, next few weeks could be crucial if we are to mount a serious title challenge.
Wenger’s visionary decision to switch to 4-3-3 at the start of the season proved to be the turning point for Arsenal, who started playing some impressive stuff, mostly because Cesc Fabregas was given more freedom to do his magic with Denilson and especially Alex Song watching his back. Song has become one of the most important players in the side even though he had largely struggled the previous season, while Andrei Arshavin and Thomas Vermaelen proved that big name signings are an absolute must for Arsenal.
Everything was going well in the opening stages of the season, right until the players started getting injured one by one, as if someone has put a curse on Wenger’s side. Even without Van Persie, Fabregas, Clichy, Walcott, Bendtner and others, the Gunners kept playing well and stayed near the top, which is something not too many teams would be able to achieve with so many key players on the sidelines.
With 18 games to go, Arsenal are sitting just three points behind Chelsea and next few weeks will be crucial for the outcome of the season. The Blues will be without Drogba, Essien, Mikel and Kalou during this period, which will certainly damage their chances, while Wenger could count on almost fully fit squad very soon. Cesc Fabregas is fit and Bolton felt it last weekend, just like Gael Clichy, while Walcott, Gibbs and Bendtner should all be fit by the end of January. With Robin van Persie unlikely to feature again this season, Wenger could severely boost our title chances by signing an established centre forward in January. If we do manage to sign a world-class player in the transfer window, then I would be tempted to back Arsenal for the title since the odds are as high as 5.70 at PinnacleSports.
