Can Arsenal go the distance this time?

Arsenal will be hugely disappointed to have missed out on the chance to go back on top of the Premier League after being held by Aston Villa this week.

But they will still retain confidence in their fight for the title after dominating their opponents for long periods.

The goalless draw was The Gunners’ tenth league game without defeat since losing to Chelsea 3-0 back in November.

It seemed all over for another season back then but a run of seven wins and three draws has pushed Arsene Wenger’s men right back into the title race.

Arsene Wenger’s side have been the best footballing side in the league for years but seem to have installed an added resilience this season.

That was no more apparant then in their recent back-to-back games with Bolton.

The atmosphere was electric for Owen Coyle’s first game at The Reebok earlier this month and The Gunners had to withstand long periods of pressure to eventually come out victors.

They also showed great character in the return fixture to come back from 2-0 down to snatch the win in front of their own fans.

These were both games where Arsenal may have dropped points in past years but this season youngsters such as Fabregas, Ramsey, Song and Diaby have really come of age.

Fabregas in particular has grown to become one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League over the past year.

It is imperative that Arsenal keep him fit for the rest of the season.

The Gunners face a tough set of fixtures over the next few weeks – with a trip to Chelsea sandwiched in between home ties with Man United and Liverpool.

If they can remain in contention after these three games then there is every chance that the Gunners could go all the way this season.

If they can pull ahead by taking points of their title rivals next month then there may no stopping them.

On paper they have the easiest run-in of all the teams chasing the title.

Arsene Wenger has brought his side this close to glory in recent years only for his team to fall away at the home stretch.

He will be confident that his team has the stamina and mental strength to last the distance this time around.

Joe Elvin