Five Premier League matches that could define title race for Arsenal before 2026

Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League table, six points clear of second-place Manchester City, after their 2-0 win on the road at Burnley

Arsenal are finally on course to end their gruelling wait for Premier League title glory but Mikel Arteta will be cautious that there is still such a long way to go before the Gunners get themselves over the line.

They are currently six points clear of Manchester City in second but given Arsenal have only conceded three top-flight goals this term, there is a sense they will now take some stopping.

Following a tricky start to the campaign, the Gunners have now hit top form and are ticking off wins for fun with help from their rock-solid backline.

They have only conceded three Premier League goals this season to date and that is largely why they are so fancied to lift the trophy for the first time since 2004.

Here are five league fixtures - before the end of the year - that could shape the title picture.

Man City vs Liverpool (November 9th)

If Arsenal get the job done at Sunderland on Saturday evening, the squad will relish the chance to watch Sunday's heavyweight clash between Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad stress-free from the comfort of their own homes.

Factually, somebody is going to drop points and the best case scenario for the Gunners would likely be a draw between the two sides.

Arne Slot's Reds also face Real Madrid in the Champions League in midweek as they bid to make it two wins on the spin in all competitions.

City also host Borussia Dortmund but Sunday's crunch meeting is a must-win for both teams as they strive to keep the pace with Arsenal.

Liverpool would leapfrog City with victory and they will be determined to sign off for the international break with consecutive league wins following four straight top-flight defeats prior to the 2-0 triumph over Aston Villa.

Arsenal Tottenham (November 23)

The north London derby always delivers for the neutral but it's hard to look past an Arsenal victory.

Still, what better way for Thomas Frank to get the Tottenham fans back on board than by winning at the Emirates?

It's a tall ask though as Spurs have not claimed three points away to the Gunners since November 20, 2010.

Beating Spurs has also become a formality under Mikel Arteta in recent seasons but the Gunners won't be taking their local rivals lightly.

It's another crucial fixture for Arsenal, who will seek to get the job done professionally.

Chelsea vs Arsenal (November 30)

Chelsea have taken points off Arsenal at home in each of the past two Premier League seasons.

Last November, Pedro Neto's pile-driver earned the Blues a draw after Gabriel Martinelli forced home the opener.

The year before, Chelsea and the Gunners played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

If Arsenal are going to drop any points, this is the kind of fixture where it could happen.

Even still, given the way the Gunners are playing, you wouldn't be surprised to see them leave west London with all three. Manchester City and Chelsea will be desperate for Arteta's men to falter.

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City (December 14)

Palace held City to a 2-2 draw last season at Selhurst Park in a pulsating encounter.

Oliver Glasner's side have started the season in impressive form and they remain a very tough nut to crack.

However, City are playing the Eagles at a good time given the FA Cup winners are facing a packed schedule.

Still, Palace definitely have it within their repertoire to get something from the game, particularly given their counter-attacking style is tailored to hurt big-name opposition.

Arsenal and Liverpool will be hopeful that City will drop points in Croydon heading into the festive period.

Tottenham vs Liverpool (December 20)

Liverpool romped their way to a 6-3 victory at Tottenham last December but they did later lose 1-0 at Spurs in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

This is the kind of contest that could go either way, particularly in the midst of the frantic festive schedule.

Spurs need to improve their home form and on paper, this is very much a winnable fixture from Liverpool's perspective.

But Slot's men are so unpredictable this season that Tottenham will also fancy their chances of victory. Arsenal - for once - and City would very much welcome a Spurs win.