Arsenal strengthened their hopes of winning the Premier League title after they cruised to victory against Everton in their key game in hand over Manchester City. After a weekend of wins for the two title rivals, the Gunners had the opportunity to open up a five-point gap over Pep Guardiola's side at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday and it was one they duly took.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring, rifling an effort past Jordan Pickford at the front post five minutes before half time. In added time of the first 45, Gabriel Martinelli benefitted from an Idrissa Gueye error to double the hosts' advantage.
In the second half, Mikel Arteta's men kept up their dominance with Martin Odegaard adding a third before Martinelli scored his second of the night, and fourth goal in three games, to put the gloss on a crucial and controlling triumph.
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Up next Arsenal, at least on paper, have an easier run-in than their rivals, but as has been seen many times already this season, anything can happen. With that in mind, football.london takes a look at the league leaders' next five fixtures compared to their main rivals this season.
Bournemouth (H) - Premier League - March 4
Bournemouth had proven in recent weeks they would be a tough team to break down after drawing with Newcastle before beating Wolves at Molineux. However, the Cherries were exposed by Arsenal's title rivals Man City last weekend at the Vitality Stadium.
Losing 4-1 to Pep Guardiola's side is unlikely to significantly damager their confidence as many likely expected an away win. For their clash with Bournemouth, the Gunners are at home and will be expecting a victory - and by some margin - if their last outing against a relegation-threatened team is anything to go by.
Fulham (A) - Premier League - March 12
After nearly beating Arsenal at Emirates Stadium earlier this season, Fulham have continued to show they are more than capable of impacting the race for European football. And they are in a fine run of form, unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions.
Marco Silva's men were met by a resolute Wolves in their last Premier League game but they were able to show why their form at Craven Cottage is so good earlier this week. In the FA Cup fifth round, Fulham dispatched Leeds with two wonder strikes from Joao Palhinha and Manor Solomon to advance into the quarter-finals. However, they will be without the former, who is suspended for the encounter in west London.
Crystal Palace (H) - Premier League - March 19
Another London derby awaits Arsenal next and another reunion for Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira at his former club. The Eagles have struggled both for form and in front of goal recently, last winning on New Year's Eve and scoring just four league goals in 2023.
Nonetheless, Palace should not be underestimated as there is plenty of attacking talent in their ranks and their main threat, Wilfred Zaha, should be back fit by the time this fixture rolls around.
Leeds United (H) - Premier League - April 1
Into April and Arsenal will welcome relegation-threatened Leeds to the Emirates Stadium. The Whites recently appointed Javi Gracia as their new manager and he was able to oversee a crucial Premier League victory against Southampton.
In the FA Cup fifth round the following mid-week, Leeds were knocked out by Fulham, leaving them able to focus on maintaining their status in England's top flight with no distractions. Another home game gives the Gunners a clear advantage given their impeccable form in north London, but Leeds will likely be scrapping to stay alive at this point in the season.
Liverpool (A) - Premier League - April 9
Arsenal's hardest fixture of this run on paper will almost certainly be a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool on Easter weekend. The Reds' performances this season and position in the league table indicates the Gunners should have no issues in securing a league double, but at home, and with the players they have in their ranks, Liverpool should not be underestimated.
The two teams played out a cracker at Emirates Stadium earlier in the season where Arsenal won 3-2 and a similar game could be on the agenda. Jurgen Klopp's men are six points off the top four with a game in hand after beating Wolves, and will certainly be eyeing a Champions League qualification spot to somewhat salvage a poor campaign.
Man City next five fixtures:
Newcastle (H)- March 4
Crystal Palace (A) - March 11
West Ham (H) - March 19
Liverpool (H) - April 1
Southampton (A) - April 9
Man Utd next five fixtures:
Liverpool (A) - March 5
Southampton (H) - March 11
Brighton (A) - March 19
Newcastle (A) - April 2
Brentford (H) - April 5
Newcastle next five fixtures:
Man City (A) - March 4
Wolves (H) - March 12
Nottingham Forest (A) - March 17
Manchester United (H) - April 1
West Ham (A) - April 5
Tottenham next five fixtures:
Wolves (A) - March 4
Nottingham Forest (H) - March 11
Southampton (A) - March 18
Everton (A) - April 3
Brighton (H) - April 8
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