Can Arsenal Keep Up Their Momentum Over the Festive Period?
Arsenal’s festive period goes beyond Boxing Day chaos. TV reshuffles and expanded European competitions have stretched December into a relentless run of league and cup fixtures, with recovery time now a competitive edge as much as tactics.
The question is, can the performances they put in to get to the top of the Premier League continue over the congested festive schedule?
Can Arsenal Keep Up Their Momentum Over the Festive Period?
What the Schedule Really Asks of Arsenal?
The Premier League fixtures for December into early January show just how compressed things can get. Arsenal’s key league dates include Everton away (December 20), Brighton at home (December 27), Aston Villa at home (December 30), Bournemouth away (January 3), and then Arsenal vs Liverpool at the Emirates (January 8). They will also play Crystal Palace on December 23 in the Carabao Cup.
Why Arsenal Are Well Placed to Cope?
First, the football has a repeatable base. When Arsenal are at their best, their structure without the ball is consistent: compact distances, aggressive counter-pressing, and controlled possession that limits end-to-end spells. That matters in December, when tired teams start losing duels and conceding second balls. Their set-piece routines can also deliver decisive goals.
Second. Arteta’s squad looks built for rotation in specific zones rather than wholesale changes. The wide areas and midfield in particular give Arsenal options to preserve the likes of Bukayo Saka without compromising creativity. Recent reporting has also highlighted just how important availability is for this group, with injuries affecting a long list of first-team players. If key figures return, Arsenal’s ceiling will only rise.
Third, Arsenal have already shown a bounce-back habit. After losing late at Aston Villa on December 6, they responded in Europe with a convincing 3-0 away win at Club Brugge. That ability to reset after setbacks often separates title pace from top-four form.
The Risks That Could Derail Momentum
The festive run is unforgiving for several reasons. Rotation mistakes can be costly, set-piece fatigue can lead to cheap goals being conceded, and psychological pressure increases as things tighten at the top of the table. Arsenal lead the standings; they lead in key areas, but margins can disappear quickly if you drop points.
Also, the big game sequence matters. Brighton and Villa arrive before the early January trip to Bournemouth and then Liverpool at the Emirates. A wobble becomes a narrative fast; a strong sequence becomes momentum that can carry on into spring.
Three Mini-Battles
Look for how Arsenal first control minutes for their key players, then whether their pressing and intensity holds up in the final stages of games, and then how often they’re able to get in front first.
Early goals will mean Arsenal can control the tempo, which is priceless during a hectic schedule. Another tell will be how Arteta uses his substitutes and at what stages in games he turns to them.
Conclusion
If Arsenal keep their defensive concentration, rotate intelligently, and avoid further injuries, especially in defence, they should navigate this stretch with their lead intact.
Premier League betting suggests they are the team to beat in the title race, which is true, and it’s highly unlikely the festive period will decide if that remains the case. But it will reveal if the Gunners’ momentum is built on form, or on foundations. So, it’s certainly a period to watch with interest to see how Arsenal come out the other side.
