Are Arsenal Title Contenders?

This season has shocked many people for a considerable number of reasons, most notably, the ascent of Arsenal to the top of the table. On deadline day of the summer, Arsene Wenger smashed the piggy bank for £42.5m in order to bring Real Madrid playmaker, Mesut Ozil to North London for a club record fee.

The tricky German has galvanised the club 

I am amazed how one moment of absolute wizardry from Arsene Wenger could propel his club into a title winning position. For those who say that one player cannot win you trophies, Arsenal is a prime example on how that theory could be proved wrong. The tricky German has galvanised the club and also brought a degree of securance to Arsene Wenger's job at the Emirates. Having endured almost 9 years without a trophy, this season marks their best opportunity to date to win a major trophy.

Traditionally, this month is like Friday the 13th to Arsenal fans

However, it's the month of February. Traditionally, this month is like Friday the 13th to Arsenal fans. Last February saw Arsenal defeated in the FA Cup to Blackburn Rovers and effectively knocked out of the Champions League by the eventual winners, Bayern Munich. In previous years, Arsenal have suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to AC Milan and the memorable 4-4 draw at Newcastle. This is emphasised by dropping 21 points and officially being knocked out of 2 competitions in the last three years.

While February is usually an appalling month for Arsenal, the fixture list doesn't prove pleasant reading for the Gooners. They have made a flying start to their bogey month with already 3 points under their belt in a win against Crystal Palace. The task gets a bit harder on Saturday in a top 4 clash with Liverpool. Realistically, with the game at Anfield, it will be difficult for the North Londoners and a draw would be a pleasing result. A game then follows against the under achieving Manchester United. Having lost in the reverse fixture, Arsene has a score to settle, and a win for the Gunners seems most likely. Another home fixture against Liverpool in the FA Cup gives Arsenal the opportunity to progress in the cup - a 2nd leg victory for Arsenal would be my prediction. Then comes the big test against all-conquering Bayern Munich before a game against the struggling, Sunderland and will pick up 3 points from the latter.

They don't have a big enough squad to compete in all fronts

As for my original question, I don't feel they are title contenders, yet. In my opinion, they don't have a big enough squad to compete in all fronts. Wenger has a solid defence at his disposal in Szczesny, Koscielny, Mertesacker and Gibbs, however, a replacement for the ageing Bacary Sagna may be required. As for midfield, they have a multitude of talent, probably the best after Manchester City and Chelsea. While the signing of Kim Kallstrom is logical, an attacker to deputise for Giroud if he gets injured is needed. I share the same opinion with most people in believing that Bendtner isn't good enough for this Arsenal team and that Podolski is more of a wide player rather than an out-and-out striker.

The stats don't lie. February has traditionally been a month with no luck for the London based team. However, if the Gunners come out of it with a victory against Bayern, a double over Liverpool and free from any injuries, it could set them up for an interesting finish in the the title race. After all, every title winning team needs a bit of luck.