Its beginning to feel a bit like Groundhog Day (once again) at Arsenal.

The Gunners are still in the hunt for the Premier League title but find themselves nine points behind pace-setters Chelsea after a fine start to the season, barring an opening day defeat to Liverpool, was followed by a predictable capitulation ahead of Christmas.

Perhaps even more predictably, Arsenal have drawn Bayern Munich for the fourth time in five seasons in the Champions League's Round of 16 - suggesting a European title push will be put on the backburner again this season.

Indeed, Arsenal fans are painfully acquainted with this pattern. But a new year means new opportunities and the chance to start afresh - so it's good news for the Gunners that we're now entering 2017.

With that in mind, Football FanCast take a look at three things the north Londoners need to improve upon in the new year.

Beat their rivals more regularly

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For Arsenal to have any chance of overcoming their title rivals, the Gunners must beat the teams around them in the table more frequently.

From the current top six, the Gunners have only beaten Chelsea this season, having suffered defeats to both Manchester City and Liverpool.

Wenger's team must make sure his side claim more points from their rivals to give them a chance of capturing the Premier League title.

Clean sheets

The recent victory over West Brom was the first time in twelve games the Gunners managed to keep a clean sheet.

For the North Londoners to have any chance of catching their title rivals, they must put a greater emphasis on not leaking unnecessary goals.

Arsene Wenger has the defenders at his disposal and the right protection in midfield; he must ensure they're used to their maximum potential.

Leadership

One vital ingredient is missing from the current Arsenal squad - natural leaders.

For example, when Arsenal had the lead at the Etihad Stadium, Mesut Ozil because a passenger in the side, anonymously wandering around the pitch waiting for someone to take control and responsibility.

For the Gunners to be successful in 2017, they must add the kind of leaders that are essential in the Premier League title race. Unfortunately, they're often hard to find during the January transfer window.