Arsenal is going to want to pick up right where they left off in their unexpected Premier League title charge.
Arsenal had to put their Premier League title bid on pause as world football turned its focus to the World Cup in Qatar over the past month. Soon, they’ll look to get back on track and continue what many can say is an unexpected title push for the Gunners. After some fun in the sun, and the Dubai Super Cup to show for their troubles, they will have one more friendly before turning their attention to competitive matches once again.
Here are their first 5 fixtures upon return from the World Cup break:
West Ham (Premier League, Dec. 26, Emirates Stadium) – Arsenal will resume their season against a West Ham side who have had a rough go of it so far in the league, sitting 16th and just one point above the relegation zone. Against a team like this at home, Arsenal should feel fairly comfortable grabbing all 3 points. It will be time to see what Eddie Nketiah is all about, now that he will likely be the main man up top for Arsenal.
Brighton (Premier League, Dec. 31, Amex Stadium) – Arsenal should take this matchup very seriously, with a squad that has seen the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Trossard lift the Seagulls into 7th place. This should be an enticing matchup before the New Year.
Newcastle (Premier League, Jan. 3, Emirates Stadium) – This Newcastle side is starting to take shape, and the results have certainly followed. It was at the end of last season that Newcastle took home all 3 points in a 2-0 win that dampened Arsenal’s Champions League hopes, so they’ll be looking to start strong in their first meeting this season against the Magpies.
Oxford United (FA Cup, Jan. 9, Marsh Lane) – Having already exited from the EFL Cup, Arsenal won’t want to take this tie lightly, as anything can happen in the FA Cup. Oxford United sit 5 points above their respective relegation zone in League 1, so Arteta and co. should really take this as a chance to put a game away early and rotate if needed.
Tottenham (Premier League, Jan. 15, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium) – This will be seen as the big one in the scope of the Gunners’ opening 5 fixtures when they return, the North London Derby. Spurs haven’t exactly caught the eye with dazzling performances the way Arsenal has, but still sit in 4th place under Antonio Conte. If Arsenal is to go on and win the title this season, these are the games they need to win.