Our Friends In The North

Arsenal have in recent weeks, found a level of consistency, which has seemingly heightened the long forgotten optimism that used to grace the corridors of Highbury. However, Arsenal now face a crucial period of games, which is sure to play a huge role in any potential title challenge.

The Gunners face a very tough winter schedule, with games against Wigan Away, Newcastle Away, Bolton Away and Blackburn Home.

This is the time to stand up and be counted. This is when Champions come good. This will tell us whether our optimism is well founded or not.

Wigan are the surprise package in the Premiership this year no doubt. 10 games is long enough for it not to be a fluke. However, the Latics are not getting carried away. They know it's highly unlikely they will be in the top 4 or even 6 at the end of the season. They don't overly rely on one player and are a good unit. They have a good attitude, if they continue to work hard and fully appreciate what position they are in, that is a good way to prolong their success.

Wigan away will be a good barometer as to where Arsenal stand.

Newcastle play Chelsea this weekend, they are unpredictable.. They remind me of England sometimes.. Owen can still be lethal.. It will be a tough game in a big atmosphere, how tough will depend on which Newcastle turn up..

Bolton are a hustling, harrying, in your face type of side, who give 100% effort and thrive against the bigger teams. Arsenal lost their 1-0 last season. Nolan typifies the way they play, he is playing confidently and will need to be marshalled and out muscled. We need to show bottle and this will show how much we cope without the presence of players such as Vieira and Edu.

Blackburn are improving, they are a harder side to beat than at the start of the season, but like Newcastle they are somewhat of a seesaw side. They seem to raise their game against us, they beat us twice in a season in 2002/3. Pedersen is a very good player and I'm sure they won't go down easily (aka Sunderland).

I think 3 wins and a draw from these 4 fixtures would put us in excellent shape for a showdown with Chelsea on December 18th, and more importantly prove our title credentials. However, with Clichy injured, Eboue likely to step in, Arsenal undoubtedly have a difficult period to manoeuvre themselves through and a hell of a lot of work to do..