Arsenal are defying expectations as they go from strength to strength after winning their opening five Premier League fixtures.
The Gunners sit top of the table heading into September after wins over Crystal Palace, Leicester, Bournemouth, Fulham and Aston Villa. Summer signing Gabriel Jesus has been a catalyst in leading Arsenal forward, whilst the return of William Saliba in defence has added confidence and composure at the back.
Mikel Arteta is still keen to add one or two more signings to his squad before the transfer window slams shut tonight, with a central midfielder thought to be the north Londoners' priority. Injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny threatened to derail Arsenal's impressive start, but goals from Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli cancelled out Douglas Luiz's freak corner kick goal last night ahead of a huge clash at the weekend.
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The Gunners have again come away with all three points as they head into a busy period of the season in the lead up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. So, with some tough tests on the horizon for Arsenal, football.london compares the Gunners' next five games with their rivals Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool.
Manchester United (A) - September 4
Manchester United. Old Trafford. Arsenal's title credentials will truly be tested this weekend when they travel away from home to play United. The Gunners have started the season in sensational form, but a recent turn in performance for Erik ten Hag's side have them looking a better side than last term.
The Gunners lost 3-2 in a tightly contested affair away against United last term and will be hoping that this time they can get the better of their fierce rivals. It remains to be seen whether United will be a serious challenger for a top four spot under Ten Hag, with captain Harry Maguire and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo having been dropped in the past three games.
Everton (H) - September 11
Another tricky test for the Gunners awaits them after United and the start of the Europa League group stages, but Arsenal can take confidence from their result against Everton at the Emirates Stadium last term. Mikel Arteta's side won 5-1 against Frank Lampard's side on the final day of the 2021/22 season and are in much better form than the Toffees.
However, prior to the 5-1 demolition job last season, the Gunners failed to win three of their last four outings against Everton.
The Gunners will play their first Europa League group stage fixture against FC Zurich just days before they host Lampard's side at the Emirates Stadium, so there is a good chance Arteta will rotate his side in midweek.
Brentford (A) - September 18
Brentford have enjoyed a strong start to the season, highlighted by their 4-0 win against United a few weeks ago. The Bees were able to beat the Gunners on the opening day of the season last term despite Mikel Arteta's squad being hampered with injuries and Covid-19 absentees.
The Gunners will be eyeing revenge on Thomas Frank's team after last season as they look to continue a strong start to the season.
Tottenham (H) - October 1
The north London derby. A massive test for Arsenal at the start of October. After missing out on Champions League football at the hands of Spurs last season, Mikel Arteta's side will be hoping to repeat the result they earned at the Emirates Stadium last term again this season.
Both squads have changed dramatically this summer with both Arsenal and Spurs made a number of new signings. A win against Spurs could lay down a real marker as to just what Arsenal can achieve this season, as well as give the players a huge boost heading into a packed month of fixtures ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Liverpool (H) - October 9
Following the north London derby, Arsenal have to deal with another huge clash. Liverpool have got the better of Arsenal on four of the last five occasions. The Gunners have not beaten the Reds since July 2020 and will be hoping to get the better of Jurgen Klopp's side who have struggled at the start of the season.
Chelsea's next five fixtures
West Ham (H) - September 4
Fulham (A) - September 10
Liverpool (H) - September 18
Crystal Palace (A) - October 1
Wolves (H) - October 8
Tottenham's next five fixtures
Fulham (H) - September 3
Manchester City (A) - September 10
Leicester City (H) - September 17
Brighton (A) - October 8
Everton (H) - October 15
Liverpool next five fixtures
Everton (A) - September 3
Wolves (H) - September 10
Chelsea (A) - September 18
Brighton (H) - October 1
Arsenal (A) - October 9
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