Arsenal will almost certainly have tougher games. Their 6-0 victory over Sheffield United was possibly the least surprise result this season.
The Premier League‘s best team faced off against its lowest. There was little doubt from the beginning. Mikel Arteta’s team still had to show up and do the job, which they did.
First-half goals from Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz, combined with an own goal by Jayden Bogle, propelled Arsenal to yet another massive victory, with Ben White adding a sixth. It increased their goal difference advantage over their opponents, following victories for Manchester City and Liverpool earlier this weekend.
The gap between the top three remains unchanged, but ahead of several season-defining games, Arteta has set down the title gauntlet. Football.london examines what the coming weeks hold for those vying for the championship.
Brentford (H) – Saturday, March 9
Arsenal’s recovery for the weekend may be slightly hampered as they took advantage of the extra days of training before heading to Yorkshire. The advantage is that they will have no match the following weekend because they have been eliminated from the FA Cup, allowing them to focus on the Champions League shortly after.
Brentford are the typical ‘difficult side to face’, but Thomas Frank‘s side has been wrecked by injury and has mostly proven to be easy pickings for the top sides this season. The Gunners will be hopeful of continuing their impressive form in north London.
If Arsenal wins, they will be able to return to the top spot for the first time since Christmas. Liverpool and City will square up 24 hours later in Merseyside.
Manchester City (A) – Sunday, March 31
Given how successfully Arsenal recovered from the previous break, Arteta will be hoping to see his side respond similarly after the international break. After losing both games against Pep Guardiola‘s champions last year, and with the margin at the top tiny enough to be closed with different outcomes in those games, there is no denying how crucial this is.
City have already failed to overcome Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham at home this season, but they are on a run of title-winning form. Both teams will be keen not to lose any players due to fitness difficulties once their national duties are fulfilled.
Luton Town (H) – Wednesday, April 3
As the week progresses, Arteta’s return to domestic football does not go smoothly. The Gunners will need to recover swiftly for a midweek encounter just days after their either elation or displeasure at the Etihad Stadium.
With three games in a week, the team hopes to continue this trend till the end of the season, including in European football. Luton, on the other hand, are still battling for their survival in the Premier League and will not be defeated by Arsenal, as Chris Wilder’s club was on Monday.
Brighton (A) – Saturday, April 6
On paper, this is a difficult match, but Brighton aren’t quite the threat they were a season ago. Roberto De Zerbi has only kept three league clean sheets since September, and his team has lost three consecutive games.
Fulham defeated the Seagulls convincingly on Saturday, dropping them into the midtable struggle for European football. Arsenal dominated them in the reverse fixture.
Aston Villa (H) – Saturday, April 13
Villa, who are pursuing the top four, will pay a visit to the Emirates Stadium. Unai Emery’s team defeated his previous team in December and will be eager to repeat the feat here.
If Villa were to grab any points from north London, they would make a significant contribution to their own season goals, as well as harm Arsenal’s title aspirations. It appears to be a cracker.
Liverpool’s next five fixtures
Manchester City (Home) Sunday, March 10
Brighton (H) – Sunday, March 31
Sheffield United (A) – Thursday, April 4
Manchester United (A) – Sunday, April 7
Crystal Palace (H) – Sunday, April 14
Manchester City’s next five fixtures
Liverpool (A) – Sunday, March 10
Arsenal (H) – Sunday, March 31
Aston Villa (H) – Wednesday, April 3
Crystal Palace (A) – Saturday, April 6
Luton Town (H) – Saturday, April 1
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