Arsenal's next five Premier League fixtures compared to Man City as title rivals level on points

· FootballLondon

Arsenal and Manchester City are on the same points tally following Saturday's Premier League action as the title race heats up early into the season

Arsenal's comfortable win over Everton saw them move level on points with Manchester City after their defeat to Aston Villa. Goals from Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes helped the Gunners to another Premier League victory at Emirates Stadium, but Mikel Arteta's side remain second due to goal difference.

The gap to City has closed by three goals, however, after former Arsenal boss Unai Emery led his Villa to a 2-1 over City on Saturday lunchtime. Ahead of Brighton facing Liverpool, Enzo Maresca's side and the Premier League champions are five points clear of the chasing pack which suggests it could be another fierce title race between the two.

There is uncertainty over whether or not City will end the season near the top, though, as they await the outcome of an appeal after being found guilty of 114 financial charges.

As things stand, City are firmly in the battle for domestic silverware and one team could gain an edge when they face off in late November at Emirates Stadium. Before then, the league fixtures are mixed for both as teams at the top and bottom await.

With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at the next five matches for City and Arsenal as they sit on the same points tally after eight games.

Arsenal's next five fixtures

- Liverpool (A) - Nov 1 - Hull City (H) - Nov 7 - Newcastle United (A) - Nov 21 - Manchester City (H) - Nov 29 - Brentford (A) - Dec 2

Verdict: Arguably minus the visit of Hull City, Arsenal will be forced to contest four highly competitive games over the coming weeks, with three of those away from home.

That run starts at Anfield with three points particularly important for the Gunners considering how City went their and won. Up next is a clash at home to newly-promoted Hull where winning is a non-negotiable.

After the November international break, Arsenal travel to St James' Park. Though Newcastle United have struggled in recent weeks, it is always a tough place to go.

Arsenal are back on home soil the following week with City in town before making a short trip across the capital to Brentford, who have already beaten Tottenham and Chelsea on their own patch.

Arsenal also face Fleetwood Town (Oct 27) in the Carabao Cup alongside Slavia Prague (Nov 4) and Borussia Dortmund (Nov 24) in the Champions League.

Man City's next five fixtures

- Brighton (H) - Oct 31 - Nottingham Forest (A) - Nov 7 - Fulham (H) - Nov 21 - Arsenal (A) - Nov 29 - Leeds United (H) - Dec 2

Verdict: In comparison, City appear to have a much easier next five fixtures, three of which are at home. That starts with the visit of Brighton, which may not be as straightforward as it seems with Fabian Hurzeler's side dispatching of Arsenal already this season.

Two much more winnable games follow that, however, with Maresca and Co. first heading to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest, who are yet to score at home this season. Despite winning their last two games, City will be firm favourites to beat Fulham upon the return of domestic football.

Eight days later is the big clash away to Arsenal where City will be aiming to at least avoid defeat. City needed a last-minute winner to beat Leeds United is this exact fixture last season and their abilities will be firmly tested with Daniel Farke's side much-improved.

Manchester City also face Brighton (Oct 28) in the Carabao Cup alongside RB Leipzig (Nov 4) and Napoli (Nov 24) in the Champions League.

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