Arsenal have cut their lead at the top of the Premier League to two points, with Aston Villa and Manchester City closing in on the gap, while Chelsea are also in contention for a place.
The race for the Premier League title has heated up once again after Arsenal lost to Aston Villa in the last minute, leaving them wide open at the top of the table. The Gunners fell behind in the first half but Matty Cash gave the Villa Park faithful hope of winning nine of their final 10 games.
Super sub Leandro Trossard seemed to have drawn the visitors in once again, but there were twists and turns in the second half of the story. Arsenal were unable to clear a scramble in the box, but Emiliano Buendia survived the loose ball and fired a shot into the goal that sent the home fans into a frenzy.
This move Aston Villa to within three points of leaders Arsenal, and opens up a chance for Manchester City. Goals from Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Phil Foden secured a vital three points from Sunderland in the 3pm match.
Chelsea had a disappointing 0-0 away game against Bournemouth and only picked up one point. That means the top three are separated by just three points, but the top four are eight points apart.
So, with the Premier League title race looking wide open once again, and ahead of another busy few weeks, here’s a look at the next five games for all four teams.
Arsenal’s upcoming 5 Premier League matches
Wolves (H) – December 13th
Everton (A) – December 20th
Brighton (H) – December 27
Aston Villa (H) – December 30th
Bournemouth (A) – January 3
Verdict: Arsenal will need to get back to winning form as they have a complex series of games ahead. Wolves at home look like a good opponent to return to, but fixtures against Everton, Brighton, Aston Villa and Bournemouth could all give the Gunners a tough battle if they are not careful.
Man City’s next 5 Premier League matches
Crystal Palace (A) – December 14th
West Ham (H) – December 20th
Nottingham Forest (A) – December 27
Sunderland (A) – January 1
Chelsea (H) – January 4
Verdict: Manchester City need to make the most of this good form if they want to take the lead in the Premier League title race. There are three tough away games ahead which could cause problems, while it could be another difficult day against Chelsea.
Aston Villa’s 5 upcoming Premier League matches
West Ham (A) – December 14
Man United (H) – December 21
Chelsea (A) – December 27
Arsenal (A) – December 30th
Nottingham Forest (H) – January 3
Verdict: Aston Villa may be surprising Premier League title contenders, but the upcoming series will truly test them. Three tough games against Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal will test whether they can hang on with other teams chasing the title.
Chelsea’s next 5 Premier League games
Everton (H) – December 13
Newcastle United (A) – December 20th
Aston Villa (H) – December 27
Bournemouth (H) – December 30th
Man City (A) – January 4
Verdict: After picking up one point from their last two games, Chelsea need to maintain their perfect form over their next five matches if they are to stay in the conversation for the title race. However, the upcoming fixtures will not be easy, with Newcastle away always considered a tough fixture, and Aston Villa and Manchester City above them.
