Arsenal’s shock 2-1 defeat in Villa Park on December 6 has ignited a fierce Premier League title tussle. The Gunners, who led by three points entering the clash, now sit level with Manchester City and just one behind resurgent Chelsea after the Citizens’ stalemate at Fulham and the Blues’ gritty win over Bournemouth. Mikel Arteta‘s side faces a grueling festive schedule, with their next five league games offering little respite.
Home Comforts Amid Pressure
Arsenal will face Wolves at home on December 13, a great place to build their momentum again. Everton will be a challenge on December 20 as they have a lot of fight from trying to stay up. Boxing Day sees Brighton before the holidays on December 27 and with the Seagulls’ attack playing fluidly, Arsenal could find themselves tired. The rematch against Aston Villa on December 30 at home will be all about revenge but Villa Park form still looms large. Then, on January 8, Arsenal will host Liverpool at the Emirates.
City’s Treacherous Travels
Manchester City, Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut, kicks off away at Crystal Palace (December 14)โa tricky South London trip where Eagles thrive on counters. Hosting West Ham (December 20) should yield points, but Forest away (December 27) revives Nuno Espรญrito Santo’s giant-killing ghosts. Sunderland on the road (December 30) risks complacency against promoted punch. The run peaks with Chelsea at home (January 4), a blockbuster. City’s two homes versus three aways spell vulnerability, especially with European distractions gnawing at squad depth.
The Mixed Bag: Chelsea’s Festive Fireworks
The Chelsea team managed by Enzo Maresca will be making an unannounced visit to Newcastle on December 20th. The Tyneside chill will bring problems for the Magpies. However, Chelsea will be looking for revenge against Aston Villa when they host them on Boxing Day (December 26). Bournemouth will then be at home on December 30 and that will be an opportunity for Chelsea, who have five games unbeaten, to capitalize on any mistakes made by Arsenal, City and themselves.
Arsenal’s Edge, But No Room for the Error
The psychological toll on the Gunners from Villa could pose further problems to their chances of winning the title. These are down to a matter of the tiniest margins. If Arteta’s men want to win the league, they need to win their games to prevent City and Chelsea from taking advantage of their miscues.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
