The striker shortage before Christmas could cost Arsenal the title
Arsenal have defied all the doubters this season and if they can maintain their form through to Christmas then the title is there for the taking because all the main challengers have problems of their own.
Manchester United are looking weaker with the removal of Ronaldo, while this was probably inevitable it seems likely that United will need to spend again in January to keep pace with Arsenal and Chelsea.
Liverpool are completely off the pace and now face a critical period of games - especially this weekend when Manchester City will be threatening to build a gap in fourth place over last season's runners-up.
Chelsea look good but the loss of Drogba, Kalou, Essien and Mikel in January and the impending transfer ban means that Chelsea may take a few chances in their only likely transfer window before the summer of 2011. A sudden influx of players is needed, especially given the ageing nature of the squad, but it could disrupt the team balance.
But just when the road ahead seems clear, a cluster of forward injuries hit and these injuries could destroy the precious momentum and derail the title challenge.
Robin van Persie is the latest to get injured, with ArseSpeak suggesting a six week layoff following an awkward fall playing for Holland. Off the post report that he will be treated by having horse placenta rubbed in
Cartoon: Van Persie's Placenta Cure
Danish player of the year Nicklas Bendtner is also out for a month - even if he decided on old-fashioned surgery rather than have members of the Danish Royal family rub baby oil into his troublesome groin. Footballers take note - placenta is considered more medically beneficial than baby oil. Or any kind of chocolate based paste.
And Theo Walcott was not fit enough to play for England against Brazil (which is just as well as he would probably have come back crocked) which suggests that the forward line will pick itself; with Eduardo getting a run of starts and Vela coming into contention. As long as Andrei Arshavin stays fit then Arsenal can score enough goals to remain in contention - but the team needs a bit of luck with injuries for a few weeks as one more key injury could devastate the season.
