Arsenal were unable to stretch the gap between themselves and Manchester City to ten points at the top of the Premier League table after being held to a goalless draw by Newcastle. The clash at Emirates Stadium was the first time the Gunners failed to score in the league this season and two dropped points means City can close the gap back to five points by beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
Pep Guardiola's side drew with Everton on New Year's Eve before Arsenal won a six-goal thriller against Brighton to extend their lead at the summit to eight points. Despite the draw against the Magpies, Arteta is still in the driving seat over his former mentor to bring Premier League glory to north London.
There is, of course, still a long way to go with City still able to win 66 points but the Gunners hold their own destiny in their hands and the following month could be a pivotal one for Arteta and his players, for a number of reasons.
READ MORE: Arsenal concerns over Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer eased after £72m misconception is disproven
Away from the pitch, the transfer saga involving Mykhaylo Mudryk could finally reach a conclusion with Arsenal pushing to sign the 21-year-old from Shakhtar, despite the recent strong interest from Chelsea. On the pitch, while Arsenal only have three games left to play in the first month of 2023, all three could be hugely important.
Oxford are Arsenal's next opponents in the third round of the FA Cup where a shock defeat may not be the worst outcome with the priority likely to be on the title. In their next two Premier League fixtures, Arsenal face north London rivals Tottenham at a ground they have never won at and then one week later take on a rejuvenated Manchester United.
In the next two weeks, Arsenal will complete their home and away outings against Spurs and United, but they are yet to play title rivals Man City once and former Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes the outcome of those two games could decide who wins the title.
Speaking to Football Odds, he said: "Manchester City still have to play Arsenal twice, which could close the eight-point gap and be pivotal in the title race."
The 51-year-old also admitted his concerns about City's home form, but he was keen to back them and their star striker Erling Haaland for the second half of the season.
"Manchester City's home form has not been good enough recently, against Everton they looked short of ideas. They'll find their form again in the second half of the season. Erling Haaland has been outstanding and will make a difference in the Champions League."
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