The festive period

While the nation indulged on their Christmas dinner, footballers were braving the chill freeze during a busy festive programme. By the beginning of January, Arsenal have now emerged as serious title contenders.

Despite the Gunners' hot form in December, many people are left wondering how this Arsenal will fare over the course of the season. Packed with youthful exuberance and talent, pundits are questioning boss Arsene Wenger's judgement of persisting with his young squad, and not dabbing into the club's transfer budget for experience players, especially up front.

They progressed into the 4th round of the FA Cup with a comeback 2-1 victory against a West Ham side full of endeavour, but a lack of ruthlessness.

The recent snowy weather has played havoc in the Premiership programme. Arsenal's fixture against Bolton was postponed on Wednesday after local authorities said that fans travelling to and from the stadium would be too dangerous. Bolton fans were extremely dissappointed that the fixture was only cancelled only five hours prior to kick-off, to an extent that Arsenal felt it was necessary to refund the visiting fans for the tickets paid and costs in travel arrangements for the long journey south.

Chelesea's uncertain form has been deemed a cause of concern amongst pundits, but not manager Carlo Ancelotti, who remains confident that reserve striker Daniel Sturridge will bag the goals to strengthen The Blues' title chances. Joe Cole's form from his year-long absence from injury has worried Ancelotti, but also seems buoyant that the 28-year old can pick up his form as the season progresses, especially with the incentive of a place in England's World Cup squad in mind.

Man Utd have been flattering to deceive. Some performances have been either astonishingly great or shockingly bad. Being consistently inconsistent have been United's problem this season, who have missed the attacking prescence of Cristiano Ronaldo greatly. Michael Owen was lacklustre coming on as a substitute in the 1-0 FA Cup defeat at home against League One's Leeds United.

While the snow continues to fall during this month, the title race still hangs in the balance. The hit and miss form of the three top sides in England have given the incentive to Tottenham, Aston Villa and Man City - all top four contenders - to apply pressure on the league leaders Chelsea. while January is not the make or break period of the season, it can definitely add some more heat into the title race during the cold snap.