Arsenal’s 2023 didn’t end the way we would have liked, as the side postponed the chance to enter the new year at the top of the table. Instead, they are in fourth place after a run of one win in five games, with their last defeat coming at the hands of London rivals Fulham by 2-1.
Bukayo Saka looked to have ended the Gunners’ problems in front of goal as he gave his side the lead in the opening few minutes, but it didn’t last. Raul Jimenez equalised just before the half-hour as the visitors again tried to take control of the game.
After some clumsy defending following a corner, Bobby De Cordova-Reid scored a great goal in front of the home crowd, sending them into wild celebrations. Arsenal pressed but could not find another chance as they suffered another setback in the title race.
With a few big games still to come, see how they compare to their title rivals.
Crystal Palace (H) – 20 January
Another clash with a London club is next in the league as Arsenal host Crystal Palace, who hope to get back into the game and take another three points. Palace are just six points off the bottom of the standings, but their recent high-scoring win over Brentford could be the start of a run of ideal form.
Nottingham Forest (A) – 30 January
Next up is a trip to the Midlands to face Nottingham Forest, now managed by former Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The Portuguese manager has helped ease relegation worries with wins over Newcastle and Manchester United.
Liverpool (H) – 4 February
Liverpool could be in the title race once more when they travel to London, shortly after the teams played out a 1-1 draw at Anfield. If the league is still as tight as it is, Arsenal could leapfrog the Reds in this match, but we’ll see what the picture is in February.
West Ham (A) – 11 February
West Ham have beaten Arsenal twice already this season, but will the Gunners be third time lucky in February when they visit Stratford? The Hammers have been hovering around the top six so far and could pose a big problem when the two teams meet again.
Burnley (A) – 17 February
This five-match series will end with an away trip to Burnley, a team that has struggled since earning promotion back to the Premier League. The Clarets are currently in second place, but in their opening 20 games of the campaign this season they have three wins and two draws.
Next Matches Manchester City
Newcastle (A) – 13 January
Burnley (H) – 30 January
Brentford (A) – 5 February
Everton (H) – 10 February
Chelsea (H) – 17 February
Liverpool’s Next Matches
Bournemouth (A) – 21 January
Chelsea (H) – 31 January
Arsenal (A) – 4 February
Burnley (H) – 10 February
Brentford (A) – 17 February
Tottenham’s Next Matches
Man United (A) – 14 January
Brentford (H) – 31 January
Everton (A) – 3 February
Brighton (H) – 10 February
Wolves (H) – 17 February.