It’s been just over two weeks since Arsenal were in action in the Premier League, and with around a month to go until the next competitive fixture, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of the Gunners.

Arsenal restart their campaign after the World Cup at home to West Ham United with a five point gap between the reds and second place Manchester City.

It’s a start to the season that few fans could have predicted, with the team undoubtedly deserving to be at the summit of the league table.

Mikel Arteta’s reds have dropped just four points all season, conceding just eleven goals, joint least number of goals against with highfliers Newcastle United.

It’s been an emphatic effort from Arteta’s team so far, giving fans a real feeling of unity at the club that we’ve been craving for so long.

Arsenal have surpassed several hurdles that they may have fallen at in previous years so far, however with half the season remaining there are a number of games that could prove to be challenging.

The month following the winter break will prove a real test for the Gunners, with players missing following the World Cup and leisure breaks after their involvement in the tournament, and a challenging month of fixtures.

Games such as trips to Brighton and Tottenham, as well as playing host to Newcastle and Manchester United are the fixtures that flag as real tests with every team needing vital points after the break with star players likely absent.

Newcastle’s visit will be far from easy, with Eddie Howe’s side sitting comfortably in third place displaying some fantastic football so far this season – certainly a team to watch for the Gunners.

Away from home Arsenal have lost just once at Old Trafford, the Gunners host United in late January in what all will hope to be a revenge match with precious points at stake for both sides.

In the Premier League, no game is predictable. Managers, players and spectators have seen this season after season with shocks on a weekly basis, it’s clear that no team can be ruled out in one of the worlds most competitive and cutting-edge leagues.

There’s a real sense of ‘if you want to win, win’, which has been the case for Arsenal in this season more than others with the squad really showing that they play for each other, the manager and the fans.

The first half of the season has given fans reason to believe that no game needs to be seen more challenging than others, with Arsenal acting as title challengers rather than a side hoping to be in contention for a Champions League spot.

The Gunners are yet to drop points at home and have made the Emirates a fortress. With atmosphere improving, the once dull and ‘new build’ feel to the stadium is pushing away with fans looking to rewrite their own history in the stands along with the players on the pitch.