Arsenal's 12 Days of Christmas
What would Arsenal most like for Christmas this year?
For those who don't know, "The 12 Days of Christmas" is an English carol above a present being given every day of the festive period, with each gift becoming increasingly opulent.
We've followed that formula in this piece, naming 12 Christmas gifts for Arsenal fans which rise in value as the days wear on.
Read on to unwrap Arsenal's ideal Christmas.
Day 1: Theo Walcott's Return
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Theo Walcott has missed almost a full calendar year of Premier League action.
After recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, he then picked up a groin problem which kept him out for a further few weeks.
Walcott returned to the bench for the recent trip to Anfield. A return to regular first-team action would be a very welcome gift.
Day 2: Progression to the FA Cup 4th Round
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The worse Arsenal's league form gets, the more importance the cup competitions take on.
Last season, Arsenal won the FA Cup to put a triumphant flourish on their season. Retaining it in 2014/15 could be a way of saving their season from disappointment.
Arsenal face Hull City in a replay of the final in their third-round fixture in January. Victory there would be a suitable festive tonic.
Day 3: Getting the Captain Back
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Mikel Arteta is often a target of criticism for Arsenal fans. They only really appreciate him in his absence.
The fact is he remains a far superior defensive midfielder to the alternative, Mathieu Flamini. Without Arteta in the side, Arsenal's passing game appears lax and their defensive shape invisible.
Arsenal will hope to have their captain back before the new year.
Day 4: To Take a Decent Corner
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This one may be difficult for regular viewers of Arsenal to imagine.
For some reason, the Gunners seem incapable of hitting a different corner. All too often, their efforts hit the first defender.
Seeing a set piece clear the first man would be a festive fillip for Arsenal fans everywhere.
Day 5: Aaron Ramsey to Recover Last Season's Form
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Before Aaron Ramsey picked up yet another muscular injury, there were signs he was close to rediscovering the blistering form that saw him awarded Arsenal's Player of the Year in 2013/14.
If he can do that, the Gunners will be guaranteed goals from midfield and a player with the stamina and skill to rival any midfielder in England.
Day 6: A New Centre-Back
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Arsenal need a new centre-back urgently.
A defensive signing is top of most Arsenal fans' Christmas wish list. Winston Reid, performing brilliantly at West Ham this winter, would be an ideal arrival: someone with Premier League experience who is ready to step straight into the team.
Day 7: Mesut Ozil to Settle
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Mesut Ozil will return to fitness in January. When he does so, Arsenal fans will hope he comes back with a smile on his face.
Ozil has cut a disconsolate figure for much of his time in England. The Gunners need him to settle if he is to succeed.
Day 8: Laurent Koscielny's Achilles to Magically Heal
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Laurent Koscielny has a big problem: Tendinitis of the Achilles is chronic. It is unlikely to clear up overnight. However, it is Christmas, so let's pretend Santa could cure Arsenal's French centre-half in an instant.
Koscielny's renewed availability would be a huge boost. His partnership with Per Mertesacker was the foundation for Arsenal's progress last season. If Arsene Wenger can get that pair back in tandem, his side could have a chance of improving their performance level.
Day 9: 3 Wins over Christmas
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The Christmas period represents a fantastic opportunity for Arsenal to inject some momentum in to a season of stagnation.
If Arsenal can pick up three Premier League wins against QPR, West Ham and Southampton, it would be an enormous boost. It's improbable, but then Christmas is a time for miracles!
Day 10: A Long-Awaited Holding Midfielder
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Arsenal have been after a holding midfielder for longer than any of their fans care to remember.
As much as they're desperate for a centre-back, they also have a pressing need for a ball-winner in the centre of the park. A shiny new holding player, such as Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin, would make this Christmas a far cheerier one.
Day 11: Defensive Organisation
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Arsenal fans have been fortunate to watch some incredibly attractive football under Arsene Wenger.
However, what they've lacked is defensive organisation. If Arsenal could find a way to organise and protect their back four, they would stand a far greater chance of challenging for major honours.
Day 12: A Clean Bill of Health
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It's the gift no money can buy: freedom from the tyranny of injuries.
Arsenal suffer so many problems keeping their players fit. It's probably the primary reason for their struggles so far this season.
A guarantee of a clean bill of health in 2015 would be the greatest present Arsenal could receive this Christmas.
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