Arsenal have risen to the top of the Premier League table following their win over West Ham and Liverpool’s defeat to Chelsea. It was the second loss in a row for the champions and has given the Gunners the edge in the title race.
In fact, many are starting to peg Arsenal as the favourites for the league title despite there being 31 more matches to be played. There are plenty of games to be undertaken, and Mikel Arteta will be looking to take each game at a time.
However, looking across the next five games, Arsenal have a great chance to close the gap. For comparison, Liverpool have Manchester United (H), Brentford (A), Aston Villa (H), Manchester City (A), and Nottingham Forest (H).
Having had the tougher start, Arteta will be particular happy to see the tides turn in terms of challenge. As football.london have a look at what is coming up over the next five weeks.
Fulham vs Arsenal – Saturday 18 October – 17:30
First up is a trip to Fulham that saw the Gunners drop two points last season. After wins over Newcastle and West Ham, the club is on a roll of turning over sides that happened to scalp them in the previous campaign.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace – Sunday 26 October – 14:00
The same goes for Crystal Palace, who also managed to steal a point at the Emirates. Eberechi Eze scored that day and will face his former club for the first time since his transfer.
Burnley vs Arsenal – Saturday 1 November – 15:00
A newcomer to the Premier League for the first time in a couple of seasons are Burnley, and Arsenal have not always had the best trips to Turf Moor in the past, but after their tricky start, despite nearly halting Liverpool, the Gunners will be optimistic of victory.
Sunderland vs Arsenal – Saturday 8 November – 17:30
The reunion between Granit Xhaka and Arsenal in a competitive match would have perhaps not been thought by many to be with the Swiss midfielder playing for Sunderland, but that is exactly what will happen. The pair meet in the top-flight for the first time since 2017.
Arsenal vs Tottenham – Sunday 23 November – 16:30
Lastly is the first North London Derby of the season and it is held at the Emirates Stadium. Under new management in terms of Thomas Frank, the Gunners’ bitter rivals managed to beat them during pre-season and Arteta will now look to get revenge and a very important three points on the board.
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