Player of the month: Theo Walcott. It's safe to say its been a good month for pacey forward - he's back from injury, scoring goals and his wife is pregnant - well played on all of the above, Theo. He must be one of the most talked-about players we've ever had; a total enigma, Mr "consistent in patches" is as unpredictable as he is quick but his improvement over the last three seasons is clear to see. His timely return from injury has been a huge boost for the team and he has been very effective in front of goal, providing 4 goals and 2 assists in December.
Best result: Newcastle 0 - 1 Arsenal - while not our most convincing performance of the month a trip to an on-form Newcastle was bound to be tough but we ground out an excellent result despite injuries to some key players, including Mesut Özil and Aaron Ramsey. It was a much-needed goal from Olivier Giroud and a solid defensive performance that saw us over the line.
Worst result: Manchester City 6 - 3 Arsenal - That's not to say we were dreadful all over the pitch but we were wide open at the back. Admittedly, the officials didn't help matters but our defensive performance was worryingly naive and disorganised.
Anticlimax of the month: Arsenal 0 - 0 Chelsea - A dire game of football. Mourinho set his team out for a clean sheet, as he did for his side's trip to Old Trafford and once again he treated the millions of football fans around the globe who had tuned in for a clash between two of the heavyweights from the most exciting league in the world to a goalless snorefest. After the game he was of course insufferably smug.
Goal of the month: Theo Walcott's 2nd vs Man City. Beautifully taken finish on his first start after returning from injury.
Shambolic refereeing performance of the month: Martin Atkinson and his twunting linos during the Manchester City game. Just rancid.
Top goalscorer: Theo Walcott (4 goals)
Talking points:
Champions League progress - Losing 2-0 Napoli wasn't enough to knock us out of the competition as we secured 2nd place in an extremely difficult group. Failing to secure top spot did however mean we drew current holders, Bayern Munich in the next round.
January transfer window - Midway though the season we find ourselves top of the table; the signs are good but many believe we still need one or two key reinforcements, particularly up front. I suggest not holding your breath - finding a good/great striker who is available could prove tricky. Diego Costa has been cited but he would be expensive and it would be a huge gamble on his part just half a year before a World Cup. We shall see...
Arsène's contract - Monsieur Wenger is in the last half a year of his contract and surprisingly little has been made of this. I think last summer there would have been several Arsenal fans who wouldn't have minded him leaving but now the Wenger Out brigade is a small minority. It would be tragic if he didn't win any more silverware before leaving us and with his passion for the club larger than ever I'd be amazed if this was his last season.
