As we approach 2016, the Premier League title race is starting to take shape.

Over the festive period, Arsenal host Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium before a trip to Southampton. That Boxing Day visit to the south coast will be followed by home matches against Bournemouth and Newcastle.

Currently two points behind Leicester and a point clear of Manchester City, there’s no doubt Arsenal can assert themselves in the title race over the next few weeks.

“We are ambitious, we feel over Christmas we play many home games and our strength at home will be very important to come out in a strong position after Christmas,” Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger told the media on Thursday.

That run starts against Manchester City, and the manager is anticipating a tough clash.

“We look at the numbers since the start of the season, offensively and defensively the teams are very close. We need a top top level team performance.”

Asked whether or not these games between title contenders will decide who wins the league, Wenger pulled no punches.

“Maybe more than ever because it looks to be very tight. We’ve played 16 games, the top team is 35 points. That means the league could be decided around 80 points. If you look at results it looks like the consistency will be the priority because every week you are surprised by results.”

Arsenal need more consistency and have won the last two league games, but Monday night is the biggest game of the season so far.

However, it isn’t make or break on Monday.

“We are in December, we are still not fighting for the Premier League on Monday night, but you look to nullify the quality they have. It’s vital for us to find a good balance between defending well as a team and expressing our way going forward.”

It’s clear that Wenger knows how big Monday’s game is, even if he is prepared to play it down. The entire Christmas period gives Arsenal a great chance to put themselves in a commanding position, and a win against Manchester City would be a perfect start.