Yule shock as we’re near top of the tree

IN LIGHT of our relatively poor recent form and the ridiculous rash of injuries, I reckon that much like myself, most Gooners will be pleasantly surprised to be sitting down to our turkey with only a two-point deficit on Man Utd and six behind the league leaders, with a game in hand on both.

It is said that the table never lies, nevertheless, it still feels like something of a false representation of the facts because Arsenal have looked anything but genuine contenders in recent weeks. Which is perhaps the biggest wind-up, since with both teams above us seemingly intent on frittering away points like they were going out of fashion, there’s rarely been a better opportunity for a concerted title challenge.

I’d love to optimistically predict that the Gunners are girding their loins for a big title push in the New Year. But as things stand, I’m grateful our decimated squad continue to cling to coattails of the top two.