Arsenal FC: Arsenal's Title Credentials Face Early Examination

Sky Sports today released the Premier League fixtures for 2011/12.  The list makes for interesting, yet daunting, early reading for Gunners fans.

Arsenal begin on August 13 with a tricky away clash against Newcastle.  St. James' Park was the scene for one of Arsenal's most embarrassing capitulations last season.  Arsenal produced sublime football to cruise to a commanding four goal lead by halftime.  Arsene Wenger's temperamental young charges then completely self-destructed in the second half, narrowly escaping with a draw.  Gunners fans have every right to expect the team to abolish the memory of that fiasco on the opening day.

Next up is a home encounter against Liverpool on August 20. This fixture should also represent an ideal opportunity to correct a costly blunder from last season.  Dirk Kuyt's equaliser deep into injury time at the Emirates back in April is still a painful memory for Gunners fans everywhere.

It is Arsenal's third fixture which inevitably stands out.  Arsene Wenger's team travel to the home of the Champions on August 27.  An away fixture against Manchester United always proves difficult, but Arsenal must break their recent sequence of defeats at Old Trafford, to be recognised as serious contenders for major honours.

Other highlights on the fixture calendar are an October 1 visit to White Hart Lane for what will surely be an entertaining and fiercely contested North London Derby.  Prior to renewing acquaintances with Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal must visit Blackburn Rovers on September 17th.  The game at Ewood Park will provide the usual acid test of Arsenal's capability to rebuff a rugged and physical approach.  Arsenal travel to the hostile confines of the Britannia Stadium on April 28 for the customary awkward clash of styles with Stoke City.

But August certainly promises to be the most interesting month.  Kenny Dalglish seems intent on directing a complete makeover at Liverpool, and Sir Alex Ferguson's spending spree is beginning to gather serious momentum.  Arsenal will need to demonstrate the character and focus to cope with difficult league encounters as well as the vital UEFA Champions League Qualifier.

Two early tests against genuine title rivals should offer plenty of evidence concerning the success of Arsene Wenger's attempts to re-equip Arsenal to end their trophy drought.