As a result of their last draw with Liverpool, Arsenal have occupied the top spot in the league for two consecutive seasons on Christmas Day. The Arsenal and the Reds played a brilliant game, so it was a reasonable result to shake hands in the end.
I think Arsenal are a step up from last season, but games like the one against Liverpool always make me a bit skeptical if they can go forward again and win the final title. A point against Liverpool is not a bad result, but as a team with the temperament of champions, if they can continue to score or keep the win when they are leading 1:0 on the road, it will be the key to win the title in the future.
In the long run, I also think the lack of a true #9 center forward player could hurt the Arsenal. While I like Gabil Jecsis, and his style of play and temperament suits this Arsenal side, there's always a lack of a striker with the goal touch instincts of their arch rivals, and the team lacks a No.9 like that on the bench who can come in and lock down a win, so I think they'll just have to try and win the game with the regulars that they have at this point in time.
On the other hand, Westham and manager David Moyes deserve all the accolades they've received, it's been a great year for my former club and they're currently only 4 points away from last season's treble, which alone deserves all the praise they can get. The win against Manchester United proved just how good they have been this season, and I attribute it to the following three factors.
Firstly, leader David Moyes has managed to instill confidence in this team, which means they know they are capable of pulling off an upset against a strong team. Westham are late to the party this season, but considering the huge number of European matches they played last season, it could be the aftermath of last year's long season, but as seen in their recent performances, they are slowly getting back on track.
Secondly, it's only natural for this team to look at last season's European success as the furthest this team can go and start to relax, but not only did they not do that, the players quickly picked up the pieces and got back on the road. Look at players like Chaloboyun, who has mastered his new position as a No.9 and is scoring goals, Lucas Pakida, who could have been a non-starter after his failed move to Manchester City but has been just as good as he was last season, and keeper Fabianski, who has lost his No.1 position this season but has still been playing well when needed, it's all down to the willingness of the team to play for each other.
Last but not least, the loss of one of their best and most influential players in the form of DeGrasse could do serious damage to any team, and the two players they bought, Gudas and Woitkoppus, although not touted by the media have been outstanding and have rewarded the coach's faith in them with more than 11 goals so far this season so far for the time being.
