Arsenal have been flying this season after suffering a blip on the opening day against Liverpool, and now boast a run of 16 games without defeat in all competitions, leaving them well within the race for the Premier League title.

For many Gooners, though, there's the worry this term may be a case of the same old story - showing promise in the early stages before falling apart for a run of games, usually in November or February. It happened last year, and there's every chance it could occur again.

There have, of course, been signs that this year will be different, but Arsenal need all the luck they can get and to avoid any blips, slips or fumbles along the way.

Whilst it is impossible for Arsene Wenger and his side to control all, there are aspects that are within their jurisdiction...

Break the curse

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The aforementioned annual stumble in November or February, sometimes both, is usually what throws a spanner in the works for Arsenal's charge. Here, the Gunners hit a run of poor form or experience one negative result that changes everything.

After the international break, Arsenal face Manchester United in the Premier League, Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Bournemouth, again in the league, which they will need to be at their best to navigate through, but it's February that will provide the toughest test.

Chelsea, Hull, a Round of 16 Champions League clash, the FA Cup 5th round and Southampton, or the EFL Cup final, await Arsenal that month. Battling on three, or even four, fronts will really test the depth Arsenal boast.

Find a Plan B

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For all the success Arsene Wenger has achieved with the Gunners, he has often been criticised for failing to evolve. 'Wengerball' is brilliant to watch when it works but when it doesn't, it's the most frustrating thing to endure.

Sides will continue coming to the Emirates Stadium with the intention of shutting up shop, just likes Middlesbrough did, and Arsenal's potential success come May could well come down to whether they manage to break down this sort of opposition.

With burlier players in the squad like Olivier Giroud, Per Mertesacker and Francis Coquelin, the Gunners have the option to shake things up.

Avoid injuries

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It seems to happen every year for Arsenal and this year history looks to be repeating itself, with Alexis Sanchez and Hector Bellerin both picking up problems whilst on international duty this week. With Lucas Perez, Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck amongst those also sidelined, Arsenal need a solution.

Of course, this may appear to be out of Arsenal's control but given the sheer amount of injuries the Gunners sustain, there must surely be some sort of underlying problem. It's an issue Arsenal need to solve, fast.

Spend in January

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Arsenal's squad is fantastic but there are still some issues. The left-back area this season has looked weak at times, whilst the Gunners could also do with a more natural and prolific left-sided winger. On top of this, there's still too much reliance on Alexis Sanchez up top and Petr Cech's performances have also raised questions.

One or two first-team signings in January could be the difference between being nearly-men once again or going all the way, whilst Arsenal should also move where applicable to strengthen their depth in all areas.

They certainly have the money, now's the time to use it.

Don't do an Arsenal

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Doing 'an Arsenal' is something all too familiar for Gooners, with it involving a combination of all the above or one moment of ridiculousness. These occasions in history include the Champions League defeat to Monaco, League Cup final defeat to Birmingham and the day of Eduardo Silva's leg break.

Looking at the back-end of Arsenal's fixtures in the Premier League this term shows some potential banana skins to avoid, including ending their campaign with clashes against Manchester United, Stoke City and Everton.