THE start of a new year is always a good time to take stock - and a three-week Premier League winter break provides Arsenal with a much-needed opportunity to reset.
Mikel Arteta's side have lost their way, with damaging back-to-back defeats by West Ham and Fulham raising serious questions about their title credentials.
Arteta described the 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage on New Year's Eve as their worst performance of the season and said his side were "nowhere near" the required level.
Arsenal have taken just four points from their past five League games and are now five points behind leaders Liverpool after the Reds' 4-2 win against Newcastle last night. They are also only one point ahead of Tottenham in fifth place.
The Gunners face Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday, but do not play again in the League until they host Crystal Palace on January 20, and the next three weeks feel crucial if they are to get back on track.
Denne historien er fra January 02, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 02, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos
Tim Shipman’s fourth and final tome covers Johnson to Sunak, via Truss
Is this government full of amateurs?
Labour's hard landing has revealed a cabinet struggling with the basics
It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States
Emma Hayes closed the book on 12 trophy-laden years at Chelsea with her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title in May.
Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?
Rebuilding his ageing side will bea greater challenge than building it in the first place for one of the greats
London wins battle of the global city brands again...
...but the capital still has plenty of work to do ifit wants to keep that crown
At home with...Earl of East
The duo behind the fragrance brand have made a Leyton new-build their sanctuary
How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology
INDIA BLOCKspeaks to paediatrician and TV writer Dr Neal Baer about the controversial advancement
This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving
AIl through a bright, bitter winter day I was smiling because I was coming to see Jack Thorne's adapAtation of Charles Dickens's story again.
Market merrymaking
Bundle up in your warmest coat, hat and mittens to visit the best Christmas markets in the UK.
Festive favourites
Perfect your Christmas spread with a vibrant spin on a seasonal staple.
