4. Get The Strikers Fit Again
As alluded to in point 1, the goals have dried up since Christmas. Ian Wright's fitness issues, combined with Bergkamp's niggles and suspensions mean that Marc Overmars is now the team's main goal threat, as he demonstrated at Old Trafford. He has struggled for consistency at times, but with David Platt injured, the only real potential scorers on the pitch are the promising but only just 19 Anelka and the 23 year old Chris Wreh, who has shown nothing to suggest he belongs at this level. With this in mind, it seems imperative that either Wright or Bergkamp or both must play the majority of the remainder of the season for Arsenal to maintain their league challenge, though it is conceivable that they could enjoy FA Cup success in their absence. Wright particularly will be keen to renew his great record in cup finals.
3. Maintain Discipline
So far this year Vieira, Bergkamp, Petit and Keown have all seen red, costing the team points in tight fixtures. The former two have also been suspended due to accumulating yellow cards, and given their importance to the team, were sorely missed. With the squad already struggling with injuries and the games coming thick and fast, particularly with Arsenal playing fixture catch up (with the team averaging two games a week - and three in one week shortly), the Gunners can't afford to be any more men down due to indiscipline. With every game counting at the business end of this year, Arsenal's players can ill afford to pick up cheap bookings in games as no-one wants to be walking a tightrope in tight, hard-fought low scoring fixtures.
2. Stay Confident
As Kevin Keegan's Newcastle proved, the pressure of challenging for major honours can affect the most gifted players mentally, particularly if they lack experience of winning. In this battle, Manchester United's kids surprised everyone and now have that experience, whereas Arsenal, despite the old guard at the back and Ian Wright's love of the big occasion, have less players who have won titles in England. The likes of Bergkamp and Overmars enjoyed success at Ajax, but in totally dominant sides, and Vieira, Petit, Anelka, Parlour, Manninger and others have yet to play under real pressure at this level. Much will depend on how Adams can marshal his troops as the dominant character at the club. Arsenal fans will also hope that Arsene Wenger's urbane calm exterior is a true reflection of what is going on inside, as there is no doubt that Keegan, like other managers before him, massively undermined his team's chances two years ago.
1. Get Lucky!
While it is true that Arsenal will achieve their Double dream if they win every remaining fixture, that is not really a realistic expectation in the modern game. Even maintaining their unbeaten run is very unlikely, given that it has already been three and a half months. With this in mind, they will need a favour or two from the opponents of their Manchester rivals. An injury or two, or suspensions at the other end of the M6 would be very welcome indeed, as would a cheap penalty here or there. The old adage goes that 'you make your own luck', but that won't affect Alex Ferguson's men. With so many games in quick succession, Arsenal will need Man Utd to drop points, but Utd have the easier run-in. So it's a case of keep their own house in order and crossing fingers while looking northwards. Do you think Arsenal will win their Double this season? Share your thoughts below.