Arsenal's next three fixtures compared to Manchester…

Arsenal's next three fixtures compared to Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea in title race

Arsenal suffered their first setback in weeks as they drew 1-1 against Southampton at Saint Mary's on Sunday afternoon. It didn't seem as though the clash would go that way early on, though, as Granit Xhaka opened the scoring just 11 minutes into proceedings, volleying an effort into the roof of the net from Ben White's cross.

However, the second half panned out differently as the home side fought back into things, with Stuart Armstrong drawing them level. "I think we stopped doing all the simple things right," Mikel Arteta said in a review of the game.

"The distances on the ball positions were too far, we gave too many simple balls away in very dangerous areas without much pressure, and that didn't allow us much continuity like we had in the first half. Then you are more tired because the game becomes more open and there are more transitions, and you are fatigued. I think again we finished the game on top of them, and we tried to go for the second goal, but we didn't find a way to do it."

Despite dropping points, the Gunners still remain top of the Premier League with a two-point gap to Manchester City behind them in second. They will be hoping that remains the case when the league breaks for the World Cup in November, so with that said, here's a look at their upcoming fixtures compared to their rivals.

Nottingham Forest (H) - October 30

Nottingham Forest sit bottom of the Premier League after a difficult return to the top flight, with a huge 22 signings made during the summer transfer window. Since giving a new contract to boss Steve Cooper, the East Midlands side have found much better form, beating Liverpool in their last clash.

Chelsea (A) - November 6

Just a week later, it's a London Derby as Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge and face Chelsea in a huge clash. The Blues sit fifth in the league, still unbeaten under Graham Potter, but with two draws in their last two league games.

Wolves (A) - November 12

The Gunners have their final game before the World Cup break away at Wolves, hoping they can leave for the month break in ideal form. The Molineux outfit are second bottom of the league after a difficult start that saw manager Bruno Lage lose his job during a poor run of form.

Interim manager Steve Davis has been confirmed as being in charge until 2023 as the board look at hiring a long-term appointment for the future.

Chelsea's next three fixtures:

Brighton (A) - October 29

Arsenal (H) - November 6

Newcastle (A) - November 12

Tottenham's next three fixtures:

Bournemouth (A) - October 29

Liverpool (H) - November 6

Leeds United (H) - November 12

Manchester City's next three fixtures:

Leicester City (A) - October 29

Fulham (H) - November 5