'The best of times - the worst of times'

If you were to sum up Arsenal's season so far, you might say the last two results are a perfect representation of why it feels once again like the title is slipping away.

On Wednesday, Arsenal registered an impressive win over Manchester United, but followed it up on Sunday with a hugely frustrating draw away at Fulham.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

There is much to celebrate about Arsenal in 2024, especially the ruthless efficiency from set-pieces and intricate passages of play now Martin Odegaard has returned.

The second half of Wednesday's win served as a reminder of what Arsenal are capable of, and how superior they are to their former rivals. On the back of this performance, fans would have felt confident going into Sunday's trip to Fulham, despite the 1-0 loss on New Year's Eve last season.

Twelves minutes in, Arsenal were behind, despite having completely dominated Fulham from kick-off. They continued to probe for the rest of the game, but without the feeling a goal was inevitable. It was the same performance that saw them struggle past Leicester and Southampton earlier this season.

On both those occasions, they found a way through. Not this time.

This lack of consistency is infuriating. When set-pieces have dried up, and teams double and triple mark Bukayo Saka, Arsenal look stumped. In comparison to title rivals Liverpool, Arsenal do not have a Mohamed Salah to produce the piece of magic that they need when nothing else is working.

As they go into a busy Christmas schedule, Arsenal must look to that second half against Manchester United and produce it again - on repeat - until May.

Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast