Consolidation Period For Gunners

Arsenal undergo a crucial period of fixtures in a bid to ensure Champions League football at Ashburton Grove.

After the loss to Chelsea and the lucky escape against Doncaster in the League Cup, a game which we really should have won, despite the media uproar, we need some confidence in the next couple of months, before the game that, at that point, will define our season.. Real Madrid.

We had a lot of chances and although we were lucky, we should have scored more, admittedly Almunia played well, which is excellent for his confidence and he is finally showing the potential which persuaded Wenger to sign him. Wigan now await us in the Semi, it would be great for the kids to get to the final.

Van Persie picked up an injury which may rule him out for the next few weeks but Henry is seemingly fit enough to lead the line.

But for now we need to consolidate and push on and put as much distance between ourselves and the chasing pack.

Charlton is a very winnable game, we won there last season 3-1 and we need to get back into the winning habit and quickly. They are not playing well and it is essential we put in a good performance. Then we play Portsmouth at home and Aston Villa away in quick succession. We need a minimum of 7 points and that is a realistic target for us.

Happy Christmas one and all and let's hope for a result on Monday!