Arsenal Eye Title Charge with Favorable Fixture List as They Close Gap on Liverpool
Arsenal are hoping to make a strong push for the Premier League title over the Christmas period, buoyed by an advantageous fixture schedule that could allow them to close the nine-point gap to league leaders Liverpool. After a rocky spell before the international break, the Gunners appear to have regained their confidence, with impressive wins against Nottingham Forest and Sporting Lisbon helping to lift them back into contention.
Mikel Arteta's side went into the break with a four-match winless run in the league, but since returning, Arsenal have looked more like their old selves. They comfortably beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 and produced a stunning 5-1 victory over previously unbeaten Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League. Arsenal now sit fourth in the Premier League, level on points with Chelsea and Brighton, and a win over West Ham this weekend would further boost their confidence.
What is particularly promising for Arsenal is the favorable nature of their upcoming fixtures. Unlike their title rivals, Liverpool and Manchester City, who face a series of tough away games in the coming weeks, the Gunners will spend most of the festive period close to home. Of their next 13 matches, 12 are in London, with just one away trip outside the capital — to Brighton on January 4. Arsenal will host teams like Manchester United, Monaco, Everton, and Crystal Palace, and travel to West Ham, Fulham, and Crystal Palace, with another away trip to Brighton after Christmas.
By contrast, Liverpool face a more challenging schedule, with trips to Newcastle, Southampton, Tottenham, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest, as well as matches against Girona and Brentford. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s fixture list is also demanding, with away games against Liverpool, Crystal Palace, Juventus, Aston Villa, and Paris Saint-Germain.
The limited travel could give Arsenal a significant advantage, particularly when considering the toll that long trips can take on players during a packed schedule. Arteta has already praised his team’s resilience following their win over Sporting Lisbon, calling it one of their best performances in the Champions League under his management. Looking ahead to the West Ham game, Arteta acknowledged that while his team is showing character, the key to success will be maintaining efficiency in front of goal.
“We need to be more efficient and win matches," Arteta explained. "That’s the difference. If we keep performing well and winning games, we’ll give ourselves a better chance of success.”
While Arsenal have a strong chance to cut into Liverpool’s lead, Arteta is fully aware of the challenge ahead. "If Liverpool continue the way they are playing, we will need to be near-perfect to catch them," he admitted. But with a favorable run of fixtures and the team finding their rhythm, Arsenal are ready to seize the opportunity and mount a serious challenge for the title.
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