Arsenal have a testing run of games to look forward to in September and beyond as they get their 2023-24 Premier League season underway.
Mikel Arteta's team led the table for much of last season after winning their opening five games, but eventually fell away to let Manchester City secure the first leg of an eventual treble. This season has also seen them handed winnable-looking games to start the campaign, but things eventually get trickier.
The Gunners get things started with a run against Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Fulham. After that, however, they embark on a run of eight fixtures which includes Man Utd, Tottenham, Man City, Chelsea and Newcastle.
On September 2, Erik ten Hag's United represent Arsenal's first 'big six' opponents of the season, even if that label might now be outdated after Newcastle and Brighton secured top-six finishes last term. The corresponding fixture last season saw the Gunners emerge victorious in North London, though they needed a late Eddie Nketiah winner to seal the deal.
After that comes a trip to Everton, with revenge the focus. A James Tarkowski goal gave Sean Dyche's side a surprise win in the fixture last term, and it's the kind of slip-up Arsenal can't afford to repeat.
Next comes the first Champions League group game, followed by the first north London derby of the season. Arsenal did the double over Spurs last term, but this will be the first time the sides meet with Ange Postecoglou in the visitors' dugout.
How many points from the tough eight-game run would be enough? Have your say in the comments section
Arsenal's home game against Bournemouth was one of the most dramatic of the 2022-23 season, with Reiss Nelson firing home a last-gasp winner. Arteta's men will face the Cherries away from home one week after that Spurs clash.
Then, after more European football, there's the big one against Manchester City. A pair of defeats against Pep Guardiola's side ultimately made the difference in last season's title race, and victory at home to City in early October would be a big statement from Arteta's men.
After the October international break, the Gunners will return with a trip to Chelsea. They did the double over the Blues last season, winning 1-0 away and 3-1 at home, but the sight of Mauricio Pochettino in the Stamford Bridge dugout could change things.
Arteta's team will then face their third Champions League matchday, and when they return it will be time for a first meeting of the season with a newly-promoted side. Sheffield United are back in the top flight after finishing second in the Championship last term, and travel to North London on the weekend of October 28.
The eight-game run comes to a close in early November with a trip to Newcastle. The Magpies are expected to strengthen after securing Champions League football, but Arsenal can take heart from having won at St James' Park towards the end of last season.
Last term, Arsenal sat top of the table at the start of November as they prepared to break for the World Cup. The results in these eight games will play a big part in determining whether they do the same this time around.
Arsenal's tricky eight-game run in full:
02/09 - Manchester United (h)
16/09 - Everton (a)
23/09 - Tottenham Hotspur (h)
30/09 - A.F.C. Bournemouth (a)
07/10 - Manchester City (h)
21/10 - Chelsea (a)
28/10 - Sheffield United (h)
04/11 - Newcastle United (a)
*All fixtures subject to change, all kick-off times 3pm unless otherwise stated.
