Defeat to Everton is no disaster for Arsenal, but they can rapidly enter a period of minor crisis if they provide another poor performance against Manchester City. Having let Chelsea build on their lead at the top of the Premier League, Arsenal now require a victory against Pep Guardiola’s side. While a draw would not be a disaster for either team, Arsene Wenger cannot afford to be too conservative.

These are the sort of games that can define a title race. Arsenal need to recover from their midweek disappointment and they need to find a way to expose Manchester City’s flimsy defence. A test of the team’s character – as we will be told endlessly by TV pundits – and a real challenge for a weakened Arsenal back line.

Wenger has some big decisions to make ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Manchester, mind. Selection is always a big point of discussion ahead of a game as significant as this, but Arsenal’s performance against Everton has raised yet more questions.

Here are THREE things Wenger must find an answer for…

Is Gabriel really the answer?

Injury to Shkodran Mustafi may have meant he gets a relaxing Christmas off, but it's left Arsenal with a defensive dilemma. Gabriel Paulista is accepted as the back-up man for the position, yet his rash decision making and ill-discipline could be a serious problem against a patient Manchester City attack.

While Per Mertesacker (who is still out injured) would be vulnerable to the pace of Kelechi Iheanacho, Gabriel feels like a disaster waiting to happen. Rob Holding is the other option, of course, and, despite lacking experience, has looked assured when called upon this season.

Will Alexis perform?

Olivier Giroud is in contention to start against Manchester City and, although Alexis Sanchez has been magnificent as the lone striker, that is an option that Wenger must consider. Manchester City have struggled with players running in behind, but Giroud would be the ideal focal point for the attack when the Gunners are springing counter-attacks.

Sanchez would naturally move onto the flank should Giroud come into the side, which may cause Wenger yet another problem. Changing a formula that has been so successful may seem a little odd, but the Gunners were penned in on occasion by Everton and could use Giroud as a release ball in transition.

Iwobi or Ox?

Should Alexis continue to lead the line, Arsenal’s left flank is an area for discussion. Alex Iwobi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have both have periods of good form in that role during this campaign, with the latter being the current star performer.

Iwobi provides an additional final third creator, while Oxlade-Chamberlain will challenge Manchester City’s right-sided defender on the outside more regularly. Similar in some aspects, the pair offer Wenger different options, but if Arsenal are to try and expose Manchester City on the break, Oxlade-Chamberlain would be the obvious option.