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The five biggest tests facing Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title

The five biggest tests facing Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title

Here are five major tests that Arsenal face between now and the end of the 2022/23 Premier League season.

Arsenal currently lead the Premier League table by five points after 19 games played - and are another 19 games away from landing their first league title since 2004.

The Gunners have only lost one game all season, collecting 50 points from their other 18 fixtures to put them ahead of second-placed Manchester City.

There is an element of caution amongst the Gunners faithful, however, with Arsenal having been top of the league past this stage on three occasions since the Invincibles season.

In 2007/08, they were leading the table after 29 matches, but a season-ending injury to Eduardo, who had begun to hit form following a summer move from Shakhtar Donetsk, and a number of draws ultimately meant they fell to third.

Mikel Arteta is desperate not to see a repeat of that this time around, and Arsenal brought in three players in January - Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior and Jorginho - to help bolster their squad.

Here are five major tests that they will face between now and the end of the season.

Arsenal vs Manchester City (February 15)

Arsenal have to play two games before their first league encounter with Manchester City, a game which could set the tone for the rest of the Premier League title race.

The Gunners lost 1-0 to City in the FA Cup fourth round, but opted not to select a number of first team regulars and were more than competitive over the 90 minutes.

The loss does extend a run of six games without a win against Pep Guardiola's side in all competitions - but Arsenal have shown this season that they fear no-one.

Liverpool vs Arsenal (April 8)

It can't be argued against that Liverpool have struggled in the Premier League this season, with Jurgen Klopp's side already out of the title race and 10 points off the Champions League qualification spots.

But they remain an effective force at Anfield, winning six and losing only one of their 10 league games at home this campaign.

Arsenal produced one of the season's top performances to beat the Reds 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium in October, and will hope to repeat the trick away from home.

Manchester City vs Arsenal (April 26)

Another fixture against City kick-starts a ten-day period that could define whether or not Arsenal win the Premier League this season.

Much like Anfield, the Etihad Stadium is a daunting ground to travel to since City's ascent to becoming one of the top sides in English football. Guardiola's side defeated the Gunners 5-0 at home last season - but it goes without saying that Arsenal have come a long way since then.

Arsenal vs Chelsea (April 29)

Three days after the City clash, Arteta and Arsenal host big-spending Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

Graham Potter's side are currently 10th in the Premier League table, having won just two of their last 10 games, and the integration of their new signings could determine just how tough a test this will be for the Gunners.

Stamford Bridge used to be a frightening place to go for Arsenal in the latter years of Arsene Wenger's reign, but Arsenal have an exceptionally strong record against the Blues in recent years, winning five of their last six games against them in all competitions.

Newcastle vs Arsenal (May 6)

Eddie Howe's Newcastle are well in the mix for Champions League football this season, and may even be the Carabao Cup holders by the time Arsenal make the trip to St James' Park on May 6.

Their staunch defence has been a huge strength this season - the Magpies have conceded fewer goals (11) than any other side in the division - and Arsenal will no doubt have to work hard to unlock opportunities.

With three games to play after this fixture, its outcome could be vital towards deciding the winners of the Premier League this season.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Mikel Arteta, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle United