Arsenal's next five fixtures compared to Aston Villa and Man City as Premier League gap closes
The Premier League title race has sparked to life once again, with Arsenal's last-gasp defeat to Aston Villa bursting it wide open at the top. The Gunners went behind in the first half, as Matty Cash gave the Villa Park faithful some hope of landing nine wins in their last ten.
Super-sub Leandro Trossard appeared to drag the visitors back into it, but there was a twist late in the tale. After a scramble in the box that Arsenal couldn't clear, Emiliano Buendia was alive to a loose ball, slamming home an effort that sent the home fans delirious.
That saw Aston Villa move within three points of Arsenal at the top, while opening up an opportunity to Manchester City. They capitalised in the game at 3pm, with goals from Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Phil Foden securing an important three points over Sunderland.
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Chelsea weren't quite able to make it count, making up just one point, with a less than tantalising 0-0 away at Bournemouth. It means just three points separate the top three, while the top four are separated by eight points.
So, with the Premier League title race seemingly wide open again, here's a look at the next five fixtures for all four sides ahead of another busy few weeks.
Arsenal's next five Premier League fixturesWolves (H) - December 13
Everton (A) - December 20
Brighton (H) - December 27
Aston Villa (H) - December 30
Bournemouth (A) - January 3
Verdict: Arsenal have a mixed run of matches coming up, which will need to get them back on a run of winning form. Wolves at home appears to be a nice one to return with, but clashes with Everton, Brighton, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth are all capable of giving the Gunners a tough time if they aren't careful.
Crystal Palace (A) - December 14
West Ham (H) - December 20
Nottingham Forest (A) - December 27
Sunderland (A) - January 1
Chelsea (H) - January 4
Verdict: Manchester City will need to make the most of this run if they want to take the initiative in the Premier League title race. There are three tough away games coming up, which could cause problems, while a clash with Chelsea could provide another difficult day.
West Ham (A) - December 14
Man United (H) - December 21
Chelsea (A) - December 27
Arsenal (A) - December 30
Nottingham Forest (H) - January 3
Verdict: Aston Villa may be surprise Premier League title contenders, but the run coming up will truly test them. Three tough fixtures on the bounce against Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal will test if they can stick around with the others who are chasing after the title.
Everton (H) - December 13
Newcastle United (A) - December 20
Aston Villa (H) - December 27
Bournemouth (H) - December 30
Man City (A) - January 4
Verdict: Chelsea will need a perfect run of form over the next five to keep themselves in the title race conversation, after one point in their last two. The matches ahead aren't easy, though, with Newcastle away always seen as a tough one, while Aston Villa and Manchester City sit above them.