Arsenal next five fixtures compared to Man City and Liverpool in Premier League title race
There was more late drama for Arsenal this week, but this time they were on the right end of it.
Arsenal were looking to take advantage of Manchester City dropping points against Newcastle United in the early kick-off. They took on Leicester City, who were searching for their first win of the season under Steve Cooper.
It was no surprise then that the Gunners were heavy favourites to take all three points, but it proved to be harder than may have been expected. Corners again made the difference for Mikel Arteta’s side with a Wilfred Ndidi own goal putting Arsenal 3-2 up after they were pegged back in the second half.
Gabriel Martinelli put Arsenal 1-0 up after 20 minutes, despite protests of a foul in the build-up by Jamie Vardy and Leicester manager Steve Cooper. It got better for the Gunners just before half time with Trossard made it 2-0 in first half stoppage time.
It looked like it was going to be a comfortable afternoon for Arteta’s side, but Leicester had other ideas. James Justin turned in a free kick just two minutes into the second half. The same player drew the Foxes level in the the 63rd minute with a stunning strike.
Arsenal were frustrated until Trossard’s injury time goal. It got even better with virtually the final kick of the game, Kai Havertz being awarded a goal by VAR after it was initially ruled out for half time.
The result moves Arsenal up to second place in the Premier League, and onto the same points as leaders Manchester City. As the table takes shape, here’s a look at the next fixtures for those teams in the top four at the start of the day.
Arsenal
Sat 5 Oct – Southampton (H)
Sat 19 Oct – Bournemouth (A)
Sun 27 Oct – Liverpool (H)
Sat 2 Nov – Newcastle (A)
Sun 10 Nov – Chelsea (A)
Eyes immediately turn to the clash against Liverpool, which could be crucial in the title race come the end of the season. Arsenal will be expected to beat both Southampton and Bournemouth before that, then there are two potentially tricky fixtures against Newcastle and Chelsea away.
Man City
Sat 5 Oct – Fulham (H)
Sun 20 Oct – Wolves (A)
Sat 26 Oct – Southampton (H)
Sat 2 Nov – Bournemouth (A)
Sat 9 Nov – Brighton (A)
Man City arguably have the easiest run on paper, with the side not facing any of their expected title rivals. Wolves and Southampton have got off to a poor start, while they will be expected to take all three points from every other game.
Liverpool
Sat 5 Oct – Crystal Palace (A)
Sun 20 Oct – Chelsea (H)
Sun 27 Oct – Arsenal (A)
Sat 2 Nov – Brighton (H)
Sat 9 Nov – Aston Villa (H)
The game against Arsenal is again the one that stands out from Liverpool. It’s a run that is arguably slightly harder than the Gunners’. Crystal Palace is one that they are expected to win, but the others are potentially tricky encounters.
Aston Villa
Sun 29 Sept – Ipswich Town (A)
Sun 6 Oct – Manchester United (H)
Sat 19 Oct – Fuham (A)
Sat 26 Oct – Bournemouth (H)
Sun 3 Nov – Tottenham (A)
The fixtures are a bit of a mixed bag for Villa, and come in between Champions League games. With Unai Emery’s men not as experienced in competing in Europe, it could potentially impact them in the Premier League.
Games against Manchester United at home and Tottenham away at the start of the next two months are the hardest on paper.