How the next 3 Premier League games are crucial in Arsenal’s title race

After losing a sickening equaliser at Anfield to drop two points, being denied a deserved winner against a Jack Butland inspired Stoke and being cheated yet again by the antics of Diego Costa as we lost to Chelsea, the next three fixtures are absolutely vital to make sure we take our place back at the top of the table.

After a drop in form that has seen our critics and doubters come out in full force, we have to pick ourselves up and get 9 points from these three games.

2 February: Arsenal vs Southampton

After a surreal capitulation on our visit to the South Coast over the festive period, it’s vital that we avenge our shock 4-0 defeat against the Saints. With the form we were in going into that game, nobody expected such a heavy defeat and since that game we haven’t looked our best.

With Southampton blessed with some really fantastic players across the pitch we will have to be at our best to take three points in this one and with the home crowd behind us, three points is a must.

Shane Long will need to be dealt with much better and we will also need to keep Victor Wanyama at bay who has been dominant in the centre for them this season.

Other fixtures
Leicester City v Liverpool
Sunderland v Manchester City
Norwich City v Tottenham

7 February: Bournemouth vs Arsenal

When the fixture came out this one would have been down as an absolute three points. But with the way Bournemouth are playing right now and the upsets they have caused this season we will have to show them no mercy and try to out class them.

There’s no guarantees in Premier League football these days but anything other than three points in this one would be a huge dent in our chances.

Other fixtures
Manchester City v Leicester City
Tottenham v Watford

14 February: Arsenal vs Leicester City

Who would have predicted at the start of the season this match would be potentially first versus second in the table? We managed a hard fought 5-2 win over Leicester at the start of the season, and after the season they have had, that result was huge for us. With us at home and Leicester’s form against us poor, we will be confident of winning this game.

It won’t be easy though. Their rise to the top of the league has been exciting and unprecedented in world football and Vardy and Mahrez have taken the plaudits they have players like Morgan, Kante and Schlupp who have been superb this year, and we have no right to beat them without a hard fight.

One way or the other we have to win this game, as if we lose it, we are giving ourselves a mountain to climb to regain the title.

Other fixtures
Manchester City v Tottenham