Three Wise Men: The Gunners who could steer Arsenal through tricky christmas period

Arsenal’s season is coming to a tipping point. The next few games could decide how the second half of their season goes so it is vital that they stay in contention at the top of the Premier League when the first round of fixtures in 2014 arrives. The Gunners recently lost 2-0 to Napoli and 6-3 to Manchester City, narrowly scraping through in Europe and allowing teams below them to catch up in the league. The next few games are incredibly important.

On Monday night, Arsenal could be fourth in the table, trailing Liverpool, Chelsea and City. They then travel to West Ham and Newcastle before the turn of the year so three good results are necessary if they are to remain in control of the title race.

Arsene Wenger has managed to mould his team into quite a force this season with many players performing beyond their usual levels and contributing more on a weekly basis. Three players that could be key to the Gunners festive pile-up of fixtures are Per Mertesacker, Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey.

Per Mertesacker

The big German central defender is vital to Arsenal over the next few matches. He leads by example from the back and is a brick wall most weeks. His importance to the team is heavy on any normal week but with Laurent Koscielny now out injured for a while, the German will be even more important to Arsenal.

He has won 14 out of 19 headed duels in his last five appearances and has also won 42% of his tackles. The Gunners are without a win in three in the league so Mertesacker will be important if they are to end that run.

Only Thomas Vermaelen has completed a higher percentage of passes than Mertesacker with 93% – the German has completed 91% of his in the last five matches.

Aaron Ramsey

Ramsey has been the engine in the Arsenal midfield this season, bombing on through the centre of the pitch to support the attack. This newly adpoted mentality and confidence has seen that the Welshman has score eight goals in the league this season. He’s also been prolifically creative, completing 23 key passes – only Mesut Ozil has completed more.

Ramsey also has a 73% shot accuracy, which is one of the highest in the squad. His effectiveness in attack has been integral to Arsenal’s good start to the season so if they are to continue it, Ramsey must be on top form.

Theo Walcott

Walcott has just returned from a long absence through injury and scored two of Arsenal’s goals at City last weekend. He was lively and caused problems with his pace.

His two goals were well taken, precise finishes. The first was a side-footed tidy finish while the second was a fantastic curling effort into City’s top corner.

Walcott’s season has been disrupted with injury so his return to the side is a blessing. His pace and movement from the right-hand side now offers another outlet and threat. He’s not only a goal threat but a creative force in the final third, too. In nine matches, he’s created 13 chances.

If Arsenal are to remain top of the table at the turn of the year, they’ll the three players mentioned to perform to their best. Should they maintain their good form, the Gunners will be well prepared for a second-half assault on the league title.