After leading the way for the majority of last season, Arsenal have once again managed to mount a title challenge but find themselves in the chasing pack this time around.
The Gunners sit third in the Premier League table, five points behind leaders Liverpool but having played a game less than their rivals, and a point behind second-placed Manchester City.
They might have some catching up to do, but Arsenal are in with a chance of securing a first Premier League title since 2004. Here are the fixtures that could make or break their title hopes…
A tough end to the season for the Gunners
A potential benefit for Arsenal is that they are part of the chasing pack this season. At this stage last season, Arsenal were two points ahead of Manchester City with a game in hand. Perhaps playing catch-up will suit them better this time around.
But on paper, Arsenal’s run-in looks the most difficult out of the three title-chasing sides, especially keeping in mind that they also have to contend with Champions League football.
After facing Newcastle United at home this weekend, Mikel Arteta’s side still have to play four of the traditional big six, starting with Chelsea on March 16. This game may have been perceived as a formality a few weeks ago but Mauricio Pochettino’s side’s recent run of form and their hard-fought draw at the Etihad suggests otherwise.
At the end of March, Arsenal play City at the Etihad, a ground that they have struggled at in recent years – having not won a game there since 2016. At that point, Liverpool will have already played City and depending on results, the door might well be open for Arsenal to take the initiative.
April also looks tricky for the Gunners, with an away trip to Brighton followed by Aston Villa at the Emirates. It was around that stage last season that Arsenal’s grasp on the title began to loosen, with injuries to key personnel resulting in just one win in this same month.
Then on April 27, it’s the north London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Their deep rivalry and the fact that Spurs will be pushing for Champions League qualification makes this another tricky assignment for Arteta.
Arsenal’s final hurdle could prove to be Manchester United at Old Trafford on May 11, at which point Arteta and his side could also potentially be preparing for a Champions League final at Wembley, which is set to take place on June 1.
It is certainly a tricky spell of fixtures to end the season for Arteta’s side and having already played Liverpool twice, the Gunners are unable to take points directly off the league leaders meaning they are still currently reliant on results going their way. But the chance to beat City and the momentum that could be generated by beating some of the other top Premier League sides could give Arsenal a significant boost in their title hopes.
