Liverpool sit top of the Premier League after securing a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon whilst Arsenal lost 1-0 to Aston Villa. The Reds found themselves 1-0 down with less than a quarter of an hour to play at Selhurst Park.
However, goals from Mohammed Salah and Harvey Elliott meant that Jurgen Klopp’s men leapfrogged Arsenal to go top of the table. The Gunners played later in the day, taking on Villa away from home in a match that saw John McGinn score the only goal of the game.
Mikel Arteta’s side are now one point behind Liverpool at the top of the table, with Villa two points off the league leaders. So with all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at the north Londoners’ next five fixtures and compared them to the rest of the top four.
Brighton (H) – December 17
Roberto De Zerbi’s side have struggled with injuries and thus playing two games in one week but are still expected to present quite the challenge for Arsenal.
Having already taken points off Liverpool and Newcastle, the Seagulls will likely be eying another repeat of last season’s clash at Emirates Stadium when they won 3-0.
Liverpool (A) – December 23
In their final fixture before Christmas, Arsenal must face up to the fixture that severely dented their Premier League title hopes last season. Taking on Liverpool at Anfield is a serious challenge as numerous teams will have discovered over the past few months with Jurgen Klopp’s side on a 20-game unbeaten run.
West Ham (H) – December 28
With fixtures coming thick and fast, Arsenal take on West Ham in a London derby between Christmas and New Year. The Gunners faced this exact fixture around this time last year with a 3-1 win seeing their 2022 form carry on into the New Year and Arteta will certainly be hoping for the same effect this time round.
Fulham (A) – December 31
Arsenal close 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 been able to retain the services of Arsenal target Joao Palhinha. Ahead of the January transfer window opening, the clash may also arrive as the perfect scouting mission for Arteta and Edu.
Crystal Palace (H) – January 20
Arsenal’s first league fixture of 2024 is on the other side of the winter break, hosting Crystal Palace to 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
Luton Town (A) – December 10
Crystal Palace (H) – December 16
Everton (A) – December 27
Sheffield United (H) – December 30
Newcastle United (A) – January 13
Liverpool
Manchester United (H) – December 17
Arsenal (H) – December 23
Burnley (A) – December 26
Newcastle United (H) – January 1
Bournemouth (A) – January 21
Aston Villa
Brentford (A) – December 17
Sheffield United (H) – December 22
Manchester United (A) – December 26
Burnley (H) – December 30
Everton (A) – January 14
