Arsene Wenger has challenged Arsenal to keep the critics off their backs by winning at Newcastle on Sunday to end the year as Premier League leaders.
Their points tally of 79 for the calendar year is the best in the Premier League and no rival can surpass that even if Newcastle come out on top at St James' Park. Arsenal regained pole position in the table from Liverpool on Boxing Day thanks to a 3-1 win at West Ham that saw them come back from 1-0 down.
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“We have another good game now on Sunday at Newcastle, who are in full confidence as well, so that will be another test. The team wants to do well and the character is great.”