Referee Michael Oliver gave Arsenal a mountain to climb on Saturday afternoon but the ten-man Gunners overcame Wolverhampton Wanderers to keep pace with league leaders Liverpool.
Riccardo Calafiori’s composed finish ensured that Arsenal were not punished for Myles Lewis-Skelly’s harsh red card, although the match finished ten-v-ten as Joao Gomes also received his marching orders briefly before the winner.
With Liverpool having beaten Ipswich Town 4-1 at Anfield, Arsenal’s victory made sure they stay within six points of the table toppers, while Nottingham Forest’s extraordinary five-goal defeat to Bournemouth has given Mikel Arteta’s side a cushion above third.
The Premier League title race is firmly in Liverpool’s hands but the Gunners won’t surrender without a fight, and the next five fixtures could prove pivotal in the trophy’s destination come the end of the campaign.
Arsenal conclude the Champions League’s inaugural league phase in midweek against Girona and with their place in the last 16 all but guaranteed, they should be able to rest players ahead of the visit of Manchester City next Sunday. The sides that have contested the previous two title races will trade blows in north London and the Gunners will be wary of Pep Guardiola’s men as they inch towards a more recognisable version of themselves.
An almighty test is followed by one of the more simplistic fixtures Arsenal will face during the second half of the campaign. They travel to Leicester City two weeks later and will be well-rested as they sit out the FA Cup fourth round. Arteta’s men will be expected to punish the struggling Foxes, even if they did defeat their capital rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium the following weekend as they host fellow London outfit West Ham United. The Irons are now under the guidance of Graham Potter, who will be facing the Gunners with his fourth different club. The English coach has tasted four previous victories against them, including one during his spell at Swedish minnows Ostersunds.
The end of February and beginning of March will prove trickier, however. Arsenal host surprise over-performers Nottingham Forest having now pulled three points clear of the Midlands side, with Liverpool eagerly anticipating the outcome of that fixture. A trip to the City Ground proved a challenge for the Reds at the start of January and Arsenal will have no illusions over…
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