Much to the surprise of many observers, the largely unknown Frenchman, Arsene Wenger, has transformed the dull, aging Arsenal side over-reliant on staunch defence and Ian Wright's goals into genuine challengers to Manchester United at football's top table. Following the increased confidence of the mercurial Dutchman, Dennis Bergkamp and the immediate impact of the largely unknown Patrick Vieira, Arsenal were expected to challenge for a top four spot this year. Galvanised by the impact of Marc Overmars, the unheralded Emmanuel Petit, and the new kid on the block Nicolas Anelka, the team has a chance of winning its first trophy since the 1994 Cup Winners Cup miracle in Copenhagen. After a good start, the now traditional November blip kicked in, with Arsenal losing four out of six fixtures in November and early December, and the pre-season predictions of a Uefa Cup spot looked accurate. However, since the last of those, a 3-1 reverse at home to Blackburn Rovers in early December, the Gunners have been unbeaten in the League and Fa Cup and were only narrowly defeated by Chelsea in the League Cup semi- final. Despite the resilience Arsenal have shown in 1998, particularly when hit by injuries in February, Manchester United have held their form, and with them looking odds on favourites, there are reports that bookies in Manchester have already paid out on another League title win. This was suddenly put in doubt a fortnight ago, with Arsenal's stunning win at Old Trafford, and the North-Londoners have won their two subsequent league games. Manchester United have points in the bag, but Arsenal have games in hand, though the harder run-in. It promises to be far closer than anyone thought. Arsenal also have the FA Cup to look forward to, with only Wolves between them and the final. A historical double is starting to look possible for the first time in 27 years. So what must the Gunners do to achieve their dream?
5. Stay Defensively Strong
Arsenal's defence has long been one of the meanest in England, but this year Manchester United have the better goals against column. Arsenal haven't scored more than once in their last eight league and cup games, and with Ian Wright and now Dennis Bergkamp struggling for fitness, Arsenal need to be able to shut up shop and grind out victories. They have the personnel to do it in Tony Adams, David Seaman and co, but the team conceded a lot of goals before Christmas, and it will be a big ask to keep the likes of Newcastle, Blackburn, Everton and Liverpool at bay.