Arsene Wenger has been around long enough to know the importance and significance of the festive period.

The Arsenal manager is now entering his 21st Christmas schedule in north London, but this year will require even more attention than many in the past.

Things at the Emirates Stadium are looking positive with the club currently on a 20-match unbeaten run stemming back to August.

Wenger will be aspiring for the run to continue, while also looking to end the club's hunt an elusive Premier League crown.

The Gunners are well prepared for the task ahead and have spent reasonably well in recent seasons, however, with Christmas upon us; there's no denying Wenger will have a few requests of his own for Father Christmas.

What does Wenger need to ask for from Santa? Here are FIVE things that should be a top priority for the French manager and his Gunners side.

Key players to remain fit

Typically, at this stage of the season, Arsene Wenger is pondering which youth team player should join the first-team to fill a void left by injured stars.

Two years ago it was Francis Coquelin, and last season witnessed the arrival of Alex Iwobi. However, Wenger will be more desperate than ever for his usual starting XI to remain fit and available for selection as the title race begins to heat up.

A fit Arsenal squad may finally end that 12-year wait for a Premier League title.

Alexis Sanchez to continue his red-hot form

The ability of Alexis Sanchez is undeniable. Nonetheless the Chile international has never been on such a hot streak heading into the Christmas schedule.

Sanchez continues to remain the focal point of Arsenal's attack, which sees Olivier Giroud suffer as a result. Wenger will be desperate for Sanchez to keep up his recent run of form and continue to destroy opposition defences.

If Wenger is serious about winning the league, Sanchez's form could be crucial.

Aaron Ramsey to rediscover his form

Remember Aaron Ramsey during Wales' Euro 2016 semi-final charge? The midfielder was instrumental and one of the fundamental factors in the Dragons' success.

This season, injuries have hampered the progression made by the Welsh star, and he regularly finds himself on the bench and not influential in the majority of games.

For Ramsey to rediscover his form, Wenger must play his Welsh maestro more frequently.

To avoid Barcelona & Bayern Munich in the UCL last 16

For the majority of the decade, Arsenal have qualified from their Champions League group with relative ease, and then been forced to play either Barcelona or Bayern Munich in the next round.

The Gunners are one of European football's most formidable sides, however, in a two-legged affair against these continental heavyweights, they have often faltered.

Wenger will hope this season's draw will see a kinder outcome than visits to either the Nou Camp or Allianz Arena.

Three points against title rivals

Already this season Arsenal have suffered a home defeat to one of their proposed title rivals, Liverpool. The 3-4 loss at home to the Merseysiders showed not much had changed at the Emirates Stadium over the summer.

For Christmas, Wenger will be desperate to topple both Manchester City and Chelsea once again as they continue to show their frailties against the bigger teams every season.

Victories over their title rivals could place the Gunners in good stead come May for a potential title.