Why The Next 4 Weeks Could Define Arsenal's Season

Arsenal's season has started stronger than any fans would have hoped. The Gunners currently sit top of the league with a two-point gap over Chelsea and Liverpool who are joint in second, and are going strong in the Champions League despite a narrow loss to Borussia Dortmund last night. However, they are rapidly approaching a run of games that could gauge their success this term.

Next up for the Gunners is fellow capital side Crystal Palace who are struggling to get going in the topflight since their play-off promotion, and you'd expect the Emirates side to surpass their challenge without a second thought.

However, things start to get serious after Ian Holloway's Eagles. Arsenal host Chelsea in fourth round of the Capital Cup, which is a huge chance to claim some silverware. Get knocked out and it's the first blow to their trophy winning ambitions and their fans' confidence will take a knock.

After that, it's Liverpool at home. The Reds have burst into action this season and are just two points behind the Gunners at present. Win and they open up a nice little gap, lose and the nation will be scrutinising them.

Then back to the Champions League, as they travel to Germany to take on Dortmund. Should Arsenal win the game they will undoubtedly be top of their Champions League group and three points clear of the Bundesliga side. Confidence will be up and people will really start believing this is their year.

Then, to round off the four weeks, they travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United. Rivalries will be rekindled and they could really secure themselves as title candidates.

It's never that easy though, is it?