in the increasingly-forlorn hope something would stick.
Concerns over Arsenal’s attack are nothing new. Their front three carry huge individual threats but as a unit, their link-up play remains inconsistent. And, ahead of the January window, the need for a top-class, ruthless b****** of a centre-forward appears as urgent as ever for the sake of their title hopes.
There is little Arteta can do between Thursday night and Sunday afternoon to tease the necessary potency out of his attack but Arsenal can still finish the year top of the pile – only because Liverpool’s 2023 is done – if they make more of their inevitable openings against a faltering, fatigued Fulham, themselves without a goal in their last three.
EFL to watch: West Brom v Leeds
Thrash Ipswich on Saturday; chuck in at Preston on Tuesday. Leeds, that.
Such are the Whites, somehow neither result came as a huge shock. Still, questions are being asked of Daniel Farke’s side, especially of their away form – they have lost five on the road – after one win in four has left them looking over the shoulder.
Southampton have already leapfrogged them and West Brom have them in their sights. The Baggies in fifth can close to within three points of the side just above them when they meet at The Hawthorns on Friday night.
Saints versus Plymouth is also on the box beforehand, while the Championship’s double offering on New Year’s Day sees Sunderland host Preston and Hull go to Sheffield Wednesday.
European game to watch: Celtic v Rangers
The New Year weekend’s continental flavour comes from Glasgow where the Old Firm derby takes place on Saturday lunchtime.
Rangers had hoped to go top of the SPL by winning at Parkhead for the first time in six attempts, but they remain five points – with two games in hand – behind after the postponement of their clash with Ross County on Wednesday.
Celtic appear to have got over a wobble which saw them lose to Kilmarnock and Hearts, winning twice in the past week to ensure they will remain at the summit going in to the New Year. Indeed, having faced the prospect of slipping, they could now establish an eight-point advantage in front of 60,000 crowd lacking any Rangers representation.
But the Gers, revitalised by Philippe Clement, retain the momentum after a seven-game winning run and an unbeaten streak that stands at 17. despite a flurry of injuries. It could be a classic – if both sides resist the obvious temptation to settle for a point apiece.
