Was Arsenal’s draw with Manchester United a bad result, in terms of the title race? The short answer is no. The long answer is just a touch more pessimistic, with the Gunners’ failure to win at home against David Moyes’ strugglers a missed opportunity rather than a fatal blow.

Although Arsene Wenger’s title chasers must now gear themselves up to face Liverpool in the FA Cup and Bayern Munich in the Champions League, after these two showdowns they can look forward to run of three games against far more manageable opposition. While Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton all lie in wait soon after their next clutch of matches will see them face Sunderland, Stoke City and Swansea City. Considering the slips ups suffered by their title rivals this season when facing lower-placed opponents, the very real possibility of snatching nine points from this trio is not to be sniffed at. After all, one of the strengths of Arsenal’s campaign so far this year has been gunning down the league’s lesser teams.

But yes, the draw against United did prove to be something of an unfortunately timed lapse as Chelsea drew against West Bromwich Albion, City had their match suspended against Sunderland and Liverpool heaved themselves back into the running with a testing win against Fulham. Still, at least it wasn’t a 0-0 knock out for the Gunners as far as their hopes of landing the big prize is concerned, and keeping a positive, “can do” mindset could well be crucial for Wenger’s squad as they seek to recover the ground and momentum lost from earlier in the campaign.

So let’s say that Sunderland, Stoke and Swansea all come to heel at Arsenal’s feet. What can the North Londoners expect to take out of their next four games against more elite Premier League members?

Arguably, Chelsea look to be the greatest stumbling block, with Jose Mourinho now back to his usual ways of analysing teams to death and setting up his players accordingly, yet the Portuguese has at least given a hint as to how to stop City in their tracks. Whether Wenger cares to take note of the lessons offered by the Blues’ 1-0 victory over Manuel Pellegrini’s side is another matter, but if Mathieu Flamini is available then coupled with the energetic Tomas Rosicky and Arsenal’s more industrious flair players, they could imitate their cross-town rivals’ game plan to some extent.

Tottenham and Everton, both away, will be tricky assignments but not impossible. Spurs have improved under Tim Sherwood but are yet to match the performance level of Arsenal at their best this year, and should the Gunners raise themselves on the spirit of the derby, that could be enough to at least secure a point at White Hart Lane.

As shown by wastefulness in front of goal against United, the form of Olivier Giroud could well prove to be the difference in each of these ties. Unfortunately, he has only been able to score three times in his last 12 Premier League appearances. Arsenal will need their main striker to make some serious improvements over the coming weeks.

Perhaps the biggest loss to Arsenal’s title drive has been Aaron Ramsey, whose goals and all-action dynamism through the middle of the park has been greatly missed since he was sidelined through injury. March is said to be the month of his return though how long it will take the Welshman to get sharp and match fit is uncertain. Arsenal don’t play Tottenham—their first of the four major Premier League games—until March 16.

Even if the Gunners aren’t able to claw their rivals back through that four-part obstacle course of a mini-fixture list, a resurgent Ramsey could still be all that’s required for a late and decisive surge to the top spot. With eight goals and six assists in 18 league appearances, not to mention a further 20 chances created in that time, he could be the perfect catalyst to inspire Arsenal to their first trophy in almost nine years.

Before they can even think of having the midfielder back fit and well however, or dream of picking points of those above them, Wenger’s team must focus as much of their energy and attacking prowess as possible on blasting away their next three opponents: Sunderland, Stoke and Swansea. Though the Gunners have form against lower sides this season, complacency isn’t an option, especially due to the importance of building up a head of steam before their more trying engagements.

The title race isn’t over for Arsenal though they are no longer favourites. There’s no reason why that should distract them however. It’s time for everyone at the Emirates to stop worrying about the standings, get their heads down and push the team as hard as possible towards the finishing line. Where they end up, and the chaos they may leave in their wake, can be considered and observed after the charge is over.

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