Arsenal extended their unbeaten run at home in the English Premier League with a 2-0 victory against Brighton on Sunday afternoon. The Gunners last suffered a defeat in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium when Roberto De Zerbi’s side celebrated a 3-0 win back in May.
Mikel Arteta’s team dominated the game against the Seagulls on this occasion and finally made a breakthrough as Gabriel Jesus scored from a corner kick. Kai Havertz sealed the win with a composed finish into the back of the net just minutes before the full-time whistle.
Manchester City dropped more points in the title race last weekend, drawing 2-2 against Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium. Meanwhile, Aston Villa came from behind to beat Brentford, while Liverpool dropped to second place after a 0-0 draw against Manchester United at Anfield.
So, football.london has analyzed Arsenal’s next five fixtures compared to their title rivals…
Liverpool (A) – December 23
In their final fixture before Christmas, Arsenal faces a significant clash against Liverpool at Anfield, with both teams challenging for the Premier League title this season. The Gunners have a challenging record against the Reds on Merseyside, having won only once in their last 14 games at Anfield.
West Ham (H) – December 28
With fixtures coming thick and fast, Arsenal takes on West Ham in a London derby between Christmas and New Year. The Gunners faced this exact fixture around this time last year, and a 3-1 win saw their 2022 form carry on into the New Year. Arteta will certainly be hoping for the same effect this time around.
Fulham (A) – December 31
Arsenal closes out a superb 2023 with a Premier League clash against Fulham. The Gunners strode to victory last time out at Craven Cottage with three first-half goals, all assisted by Leandro Trossard.
Since that clash, Marco Silva has lost Aleksandar Mitrovic but retained the services of Arsenal target Joao Palhinha. Ahead of the January transfer window opening, the match may also serve as the perfect scouting mission for Arteta and Edu.
Liverpool (H) – January 7 (FA Cup)
Arsenal then kicks off their FA Cup campaign in a blockbuster match against Liverpool. The Gunners welcome the Reds to the Emirates Stadium, a fixture they won 3-2 in the league last term.
Jurgen Klopp’s side had enjoyed an excellent record in North London before that, winning three on the bounce before that thrilling encounter in October 2022.
Crystal Palace (H) – January 20
Arsenal’s first league fixture of 2024 is on the other side of the winter break, hosting Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have enjoyed an excellent recent record against the Eagles, winning 1-0 at Selhurst Park earlier this term.
Arteta’s side also did the double over Palace last season, winning 2-0 away and 4-1 at home. The Spaniard will hope for a similar result in this fixture.
Manchester City
Urawa Reds (N) – December 19 (Club World Cup)
Everton (A) – December 27
Sheffield United (H) – December 30
Huddersfield Town (H) – January 7 (FA Cup)
Newcastle (A) – January 13
Liverpool
West Ham (H) – December 20 (Carabao Cup)
Arsenal (H) – December 23
Burnley (A) – December 26
Newcastle (H) – January 1
Arsenal (H) – January 7 (FA Cup)
Aston Villa
Sheffield United (H) – December 22
Manchester United (A) – December 26
Burnley (H) – December 30
Middlesbrough (A) – January 6 (FA Cup)
Everton (A) – January 14.