Momentum matters as Arsenal seize control of the title race

IF you are a serious title contender, you must build momentum from a good result and carry it all the way to the trophy ceremony.

Over the New Year period, Arsenal did exactly that.

They secured a statement win and revenge against Aston Villa before following it up with a crucial victory against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, a ground that dented their title challenge last season with a one-nil defeat.

Even after going a goal down, Arsenal did not panic. Inspired by Declan Rice, they surged into a two-goal lead before the Cherries pulled one back.

While the 3–2 scoreline suggests a tight contest, Mikel Arteta’s men were largely in control and extended their lead at the top of the table.

Arteta will now hope his side can carry that momentum into the next match against Liverpool at the Emirates.

Win that, and Arsenal move one step closer to the holy grail.

Wolves took confidence from their 1–1 draw at Old Trafford against Manchester United to secure their first league win of the season against West Ham.

A comprehensive 3–0 victory showcased a team growing in belief.

Rob Edwards will hope this breakthrough result sparks a run to close the gap on those above them.

Wolves remain in trouble, but perhaps the realistic aim is avoiding the unwanted record that still belongs to Derby County.

The positive side is that Edwards got Wolves playing like a functional team.

Trouble is clearly brewing for West Ham. What looked like a kind run of fixtures has turned into a nightmare for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Two defeats from two games have undone an opportunity to drag Bournemouth into the relegation fight, exposing deeper issues within the squad.

Can Nuno be a saviour, or is this West Ham team doomed for relegation?​

Villa responded positively to defeat against Arsenal by inflicting further misery on Nottingham Forest.

Forest are now on a run of four straight league defeats. While teams below them failed to fully capitalise – aside from Wolves – Sean Dyche will be concerned, as this could come back to haunt them in the future.

Performances are not disastrous, but results continue to evade them. Perhaps the next fixture offers a turning point.​

In the first Battle of the Roses this season, Leeds built on their draw with Liverpool to earn another point against Manchester United.

Leeds faded in the second half and, after taking the lead, allowed United back into the game. Perhaps the high-intensity game resulted in fatigue.

Joshua Zirkzee remains an enigma, as he was ineffective one week and decisive the next, for he provided the assist for the equaliser.

Another missed opportunity for Ruben Amorim’s side to close the gap on the Champions League places, and internal tension continues to simmer.

The media leaks that are coming out could derail this United season.

The board have to stick with the manager because the gap between United and fourth spot is not big.

A string of two victories could lead United back into contention.​

Liverpool remained unbeaten in five league matches but suffered yet another late setback as Fulham equalised with a stunning stoppage-time strike. Watch the highlight as it was a beauty!

Arne Slot’s team looked toothless in the first half and struggled to break down Fulham’s defence.

Tactical tweaks after the break sparked improvement, and Liverpool briefly thought they had secured victory before being pegged back from that wonder goal.

Another opportunity was squandered to consolidate fourth place. This Liverpool side is more about grinding results than providing entertainment.

Perhaps Mohamed Salah cannot return soon enough.​

In the final game of the weekend, managerless Chelsea did Arsenal a favour by snatching a late equaliser at the Etihad.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side had chances to kill the game in the first half but failed to do so.

Chelsea’s second-half adjustments paid dividends, and City have now dropped points in consecutive matches, allowing Arsenal to open a six-point lead.​

So, is a six-point cushion enough?

Can Arteta maintain the positivity from the festive fixtures and rally his squad to the finish line?

Friday morning’s clash against Liverpool will be pivotal.

Beating the defending champions at the Emirates would feel like driving a stake through their heart, potentially breaking Liverpool’s spirit while injecting belief into Arsenal’s ranks.

Perhaps this is finally the moment the long wait ends for the Arsenal faithful.