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All of the top three teams in the Premier League table dropped points over the weekend with Arsenal benefitting the most from the results.
It’s not been the best of weekends for teams fighting at the top of the Premier League table as the title race took more than one twist over the last two days.
It all started in Saturday’s early kick-off between Manchester United and Manchester City. The latter knew that a win would close the gap on Arsenal at the top of the table to just three points ahead of their game.
However, goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu saw them fall to a surprise 2-0 loss. It’s something that Arsenal would hope to take advantage of just a couple of hours later.
Mikel Arteta’s side took on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in the 3pm kick-off. But they were unable to get past Sean Dyche’s men and had to settle for a 0-0 draw.
That result moved them seven points clear of their rivals, but gave third-placed Aston Villa the chance to close the gap to four points.
Unai Emery’s side hosted Everton at Villa Park on Sunday. But Thierno Barry’s second half goal for the Toffees proved to be the difference between the two sides in a result that provides another boost to Arsenal’s title hopes.
The results could be a sign of tension in the race to finish top at the end of the season. It also means that more and more attention will be paid to upcoming fixtures for the three teams.
With that in mind, here is a look at what is on the horizon for Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa.
Arsenal (1st, 50 points)
Sunday, 25 January - Vs Man United (H) (4.30pm)
Saturday, 31 January - Vs Leeds United (A) (3pm)
Saturday, 7 February - Vs Sunderland (H) (3pm)
Thursday, 12 February - Vs Brentford (A) (8pm)
Sunday, 22 February - Vs Tottenham (A) (4.30pm)
Other matches : Vs Inter (A) - Champions League - Tues 20 Jan
Vs Kairat (H) - Champions League - Weds 28 Jan
Vs Chelsea (H) - Carabao Cup semi-final 2nd leg - Tues 3 Feb
Vs Wigan (H) - FA Cup - Sun 15 Feb
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It’s a busy few weeks for Arsenal with matches in four different competitions coming up, but concentrating on the Premier League there could be some key games in the title race.
The Gunners face a bit of an unknown when they host Man United next weekend, with Michael Carrick having a successful start as interim head coach. The team impressed in their win over Man City.
Leeds United are also resurgent after a difficult start to the campaign. They have lost just one of their last 10 games in all competitions.
Sunderland have shown that they are no pushovers in their first season back in the Premier League, while Brentford have quietly gone about their business and sit in seventh place in the table.
The North London Derby against Tottenham always brings pressure. There could be uncertainty over Spurs and who will be in charge when the game comes around amid speculation over the future of Thomas Frank.
Man City (2nd, 43 points)
Saturday, 24 January - Vs Wolves (H) (3pm)
Sunday, 1 February - Vs Tottenham (A) (4.30pm)
Sunday, 8 February - Vs Liverpool (A) (4.30pm)
Wednesday, 11 February - Vs Fulham (H) (8pm)
Saturday, 21 February - Vs Newcastle (H) (12.30pm)
Other matches: Vs Bodo/Glimt (A) - Champions League - Tues 20 Feb
Vs Galatasaray (H) - Champions League - Weds 28 Jan
Vs Newcastle (H) - Carabao Cup semi-final 2nd leg - Weds 4 Feb
Vs Salford or Swindon (H) - FA Cup - Sat 14 Feb
On paper, City probably have the hardest run of fixtures in the Premier League coming up. The team will earmark the games against Wolves and Fulham as ones that they should pick up all three points in, although Wolves have picked up form under Rob Edwards and are unbeaten in their last four games.
Like with Arsenal the game against Spurs brings some uncertainty amid the speculation over Frank’s future. While it’s been a disappointing season for Liverpool so far, they have some players who could hurt City.
Aston Villa (3rd, 43 points)
Sunday, 25 January - Vs Newcastle (A) (2pm)
Sunday, 1 February - Vs Brentford (H) (2pm)
Saturday, 7 February - Vs Bournemouth (A) (3pm)
Wednesday, 11 February - Vs Brighton (H) (7.30pm)
Saturday, 21 February - Vs Leeds (H) (3pm)
Other matches : Vs Fenerbahce (A) Europa League - Thurs 22 Jan
Vs RB Salzburg (H) - Europa League - Thurs 29 Jan
Vs Newcastle (H) - FA Cup - Sat 14 Feb
On paper, Villa possibly have the easiest of runs of the three, but most of the games are ones that it wouldn’t be too much of a shock if they are beaten.
Playing at St James’ Park is never easy, especially off the back of defeat. Brentford, Bournemouth and Brighton are all doing well this season, although Bournemouth have dropped off in recent weeks.
As already mentioned, Leeds are in good form under Daniel Farke as they look to move further away from the relegation zone.
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