5 Key Remaining Fixtures in Arsenal's Premier League Title Quest
Arsenal know that this season represents their best chance of title success for several years. The Gunners haven’t won the Premier League since their famous "Invincibles" campaign of 2003/04, and they are long overdue another title triumph.
Speaking to Arsenal.com, Arsene Wenger emphasised just how much Arsenal want this.
He said:
"I heard last night the cliché… 'nobody wants to win this league'. I can say as well that everybody wants to win it. And if you were in the game you would think that's not the case—everybody wants to win it but it's difficult.
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If they are to go the distance this time around, there will be certain matches that are particularly crucial to their chances of success.
Go to the next slide as we count down the five most important Premier League matches left in the Gunners’ schedule.
5. Arsenal vs. Chelsea, January 24
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Arsenal’s next game could have a significant influence on the remainder of their campaign.
Their recent record against Chelsea is poor, but with Jose Mourinho now dismissed and the Blues still struggling for form, this is a great chance for the Gunners to pick up three points against their London rivals.
A win over Chelsea would be a real boost to morale at Arsenal, and it would build belief that this could be their year.
It could also come to be remembered as an important day as it’s when Alexis Sanchez is expected to return to the first-team squad after a considerable lay-off.
4. Everton vs. Arsenal, March 19
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A match against Roberto Martinez’s Everton is always a stern test, but this one feels particularly difficult as it comes off the back of what is likely to be a draining second leg against Barcelona in the Champions League.
Returning to Premier League action after a European jaunt is always difficult, but one imagines Arsenal will be especially drained after competing with Luis Enrique’s Catalan outfit—whatever the result.
If Arsenal can recover in time to secure a positive result at Goodison Park, it will be a huge fillip to their title hopes.
3. Arsenal vs. Leicester City, February 13
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Leicester City are the surprise runner in the title race. Claudio Ranieri’s side continue to confound expectations by keeping pace with the relative giants of Arsenal and Manchester City.
However, come February 13, Arsenal will feel they have a chance to put that momentum to a stop. Arsenal have already beaten Leicester this season in the reverse fixture. If they can repeat the feat at the Emirates Stadium, it could be the blow that finally dents the Foxes’ seemingly impenetrable confidence.
The likes of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez will make this a difficult afternoon for Arsenal, but should Wenger’s men emerge victorious they will feel that they might have sent Ranieri’s side into an irreversible spiral.
2. Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal, March 5
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Games between Arsenal and Tottenham are always huge. This one feels particularly big given that it could have major implications for the title race.
At present, Spurs are just five points behind Arsenal at the top of the table. It’s possible that by the time this game rolls around, Tottenham could be a very big part of the title picture.
The two sides played out a closely fought 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium that Tottenham might even feel aggrieved to have not won.
Arsenal will know they be hugely tested by this decisive derby.
1. Manchester City vs. Arsenal, May 7
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What a game this promises to be. In the penultimate fixture of the Premier League season, Arsenal travel to face the team likely to push them closest in the title race.
With the end of the season so close, this may even be the game that decides who wins the league. The drama of Anfield in 1989 could be recreated at the Etihad Stadium.
If the race is still alive on May 7, this promises to be one of the most dramatic games in Premier League history.
Which match do you think will prove most important for Arsenal? Let us know in the comments below.
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