Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has suggested that the Gunners' Premier League title bid hinges on how they negotiate the unforgiving festive period.

Victory over Norwich City at Carrow Road on Sunday would see Arsene Wenger's men join Manchester City at the summit of the table heading into December.

Arsenal were beaten 2-1 at West Bromwich Albion last weekend as injuries appear to take their toll on the North Londoners, and with six fixtures scheduled next month, Mertesacker believes that this is a seminal period in their season.

"We've improved already from last season and that's why we are looking forward to the next couple of weeks as they are defining weeks for the team," he told the club's official website.

"How united can we be throughout the Premier League season and how consistent can we be? It's a challenge and a good challenge so we think we are well prepared.

"We are very united, that is my feeling over the past couple of years. We always build up something and now it's time to prove we are capable of doing something. Doing great things means winning something where you need to be consistent for more than six games."

Arsenal have not won the league since 2004.