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Source: football.London
Arsenal are top of the Premier League after nearly a quarter of the season gone, but face the likes of Chelsea in their next few fixtures before the break for the World Cup.
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League as they ran out 3-2 winners over Liverpool on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium. A Gabriel Martinelli goal was followed up by a brace from Bukayo Saka to ensure the Gunners made it eight wins from their opening nine games.
The Reds proved a stern test for the young side, who were pegged back twice in the game but held their own to register a massive three points. So long as Mikel Arteta’s side keep winning and setting the pace in the Premier League, talk will continue about their chances of a title push.
They will have to keep finding the answers to unlocking games, which could be especially tough in the busy schedule before the mid-season break for the World Cup. With that being said, here’s a look at their next five games before that break compared to their rivals.
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Leeds United (A) – October 16
Jesse Marsch’s side had to have a huge rebuild in the summer, losing some key players and bringing in others to fill that void. They currently sit 14th, three points clear of the drop zone with one game in hand.
Leeds have already caused plenty of issues for some sides this season – one of which being Chelsea, who they managed to press into submission at Elland Road.
Southampton (A) – October 23
Southampton continue to struggle in the Premier League this season, hovering just above the relegation places by one point with four defeats in their last five games played. Their goal-difference of -9 is the third worst in the division and the Gunners will be hoping for a routine victory.
The Saints have proven capable of pulling off an upset though, beating Chelsea 2-1 back in August.
Nottingham Forest (H) – October 30
It’s been a difficult return to the top flight for Nottingham Forest, who made a stunning 22 signings in the summer following their promotion from the Championship. They currently sit bottom of the Premier League, however, having taken only four points from their opening eight games played so far.
There was plenty of speculation surrounding the future of head coach Steve Cooper, though his recent contract extension put and end to that and the club and it’s supporters will be hopeful the new deal can be the uplift they need to see their form turn around once again.
Chelsea (A) – November 6
Another London Derby is on the horizon as Arsenal make the short trip across the capital to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their penultimate game before the mid-season break. Things both on and off the pitch have been inconsistent for the Blues, with the new ownership opting for a change in head coach, appointing Graham Potter to replace the sacked Thomas Tuchel.
The former Brighton boss has overseen some ideal results so far, with Chelsea returning to the top four in the league while registering a huge boost with victory over AC Milan in the Champions League.
Wolves (A) – November 12
The final game before the international break comes against Wolves, who find themselves in a perilous position at this stage of the season. They currently sit third bottom, suffering a 2-0 defeat to West Ham after a torrid start to their campaign, which has seen manager Bruno Lage sacked.
The Gunners will be hoping they will be able to get a win over them to go into the World Cup in fine form.
Chelsea’s next five fixtures:
Aston Villa (A) – October 16
Brentford (A) – October 19
Manchester United (H) – October 22
Brighton (A) – October 29
Arsenal (H) – November 6
Tottenham’s next five fixtures:
Everton (H) – October 15
Manchester United (A) – October 19
Newcastle United (H) – October 23
Bournemouth (A) – October 29
Liverpool (H) – November 6
Manchester City’s next five fixtures:
Liverpool (A) – October 16
Brighton (H) – October 22
Leicester City (A) – October 29
Fulham (H) – November 5
Brentford (H) – November 12
Manchester United’s next five fixtures:
Newcastle (H) – October 16
Tottenham (H) – October 19
Chelsea (A) – October 22
West Ham (H) – October 30
Aston Villa (A) – November 6
