Arsenal are six points clear of Manchester City and seven points clear of Liverpool in what could be a decisive weekend in the race for this season’s Premier League title.
This weekend was a big one for Arsenal, with hopes of winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004. The Gunners had a tense 1-0 win at home to Crystal Palace, but the result was made even sweeter by the knowledge that Manchester City lost away to Aston Villa by the same scoreline.
Eberechi Eze scored the Gunners’ only goal and helped them defeat his old club. The clean sheet also means they have conceded just three times all season and are on track to achieve the best defensive record ever in a Premier League season.
City striker Erling Haaland ended his scoring streak at Villa Park. Matty Cash scored the only goal of the game to give Villa their fourth successive league win, and Tottenham’s victory over Everton late on Sunday afternoon ensured City would finish the weekend outside the top four.
Both Arsenal and City went into the game knowing they had a golden chance to gain the upper hand against reigning champions Liverpool. Arn Slott’s side ended their fourth consecutive league upset, with Brentford winning 3-2 against a struggling Reds side.
The next five matches could be crucial in shaping the title race as we move closer to the busy festive period after the November international break. Here’s a look at what Arsenal, City and Liverpool have planned during this period.
read more: Mikel Arteta admits he suffered four injuries in Arsenal’s win over Crystal Palaceread more: Eberechi Eze shows his true colors at Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
arsenal
Burnley (a), Sunderland (a), Tottenham Hotspur (h), Chelsea (a), Brentford (h)
Arsenal will begin their campaign in November with an away game against the newly promoted side. Neither side has been a walk in the park, but Sunderland in particular have been impressive in their first season back in full swing.
The Gunners’ record in London derbies has been impressive to say the least, but that will be put to the test in the coming weeks. Mikel Arteta’s side will now make a tricky return to action after the international break with a north London derby, after playing away to Chelsea in November, before facing a Brentford side at home the following month who showed they are not to be underestimated against Liverpool.
As well as the Premier League, Arsenal will also be busy in the Carabao Cup and Champions League. A match against Bayern Munich between Spurs and Chelsea could be important.
manchester city
Bournemouth (h), Liverpool (h), Newcastle (a), Leeds (h), Fulham (a)
City’s next two games are against current opponents for a top-four spot, with Bournemouth in second place and preparing to welcome Josep Guardiola’s side to the south coast. The match against Liverpool on November 9th will be a closely watched match, with both teams hoping to be close to their best by the time the match begins.
The trip to Newcastle was far from easy, with rivals Arsenal departing late to pick up three points on their trip to St James’ Park. Leeds at home and Fulham away are the simplest of City’s five fixtures in terms of the standings alone, and they will be hoping to repeat the victory they secured at Craven Cottage on the final day of last season.
Meanwhile, trials await in the cup matches as well. Both of City’s European fixtures next month will be at home to German opponents, with unbeaten Borussia Dortmund and Champions League strugglers Bayer Leverkusen visiting the Etihad Stadium.
liverpool
Aston Villa (h), Manchester City (a), Nottingham Forest (h), West Ham (a), Sunderland (h)
Things may get harder for Liverpool before they get easier. Their next opponents, Aston Villa, have won four games in a row in the league, but City will be determined heading into the clash just before the international break.
Arne Slott’s side will be looking to take their chances in the next two games, even if struggling Nottingham Forest and West Ham have regained some form by then with their new manager in bed. He will also hope Sunderland get off to a fast start and be in good form by the time they head to Anfield.
They will face Real Madrid in the Champions League just before the game against City, which is not the ideal time for such a big test. In another European fixture, PSV Eindhoven come to Merseyside after defeating a rotation-heavy Reds side in last season’s competition.
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