Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will be bidding to build on an impressive start to the 22/23 Premier League season thus far.
Following the mid-season pause due to the winter World Cup over in Qatar, the Gunners will return to domestic action this weekend top of the pile and five points clear of last year’s champions Manchester City. Key forward Gabriel Jesus however is not expected to return to action until 2023.
Perhaps forcing Arteta’s hand in the transfer market, the festive period could present a huge chance for Eddie Nketiah in attack, with the 23-year-old having failed to start a domestic encounter so far this term. Arsenal continues to be linked with further reinforcements this winter, with Cody Gakpo and Mykhailo Mudryk just two of the names cited with a move to North London.
Ahead of the return to domestic action, football.london has opted to take an in-depth look at the Gunners’ next five Premier League clashes, analysing just who they will come up against during a vital part of the 22/23 campaign…
#Arsenal v West Ham – 26 December – Emirates Stadium – 20:00 KO
The return of club football brings David Moyes’ West Ham side to the Emirates, as Arteta’s side bid to extend their unbeaten home record so far this season.
The Hammers currently sit in a lowly 16th position having won just four times, recording victories over Aston Villa, Wolves, Fulham and Bournemouth.
Aaron Creswell, Gianluca Scamacca and Kurt Zouma all remain doubts for West Ham, with the Gunners firmly expected to return to winning ways on Boxing Day in north London.
# Brighton v Arsenal – 31 December – AMEX Stadium – 17:30 KO
Roberto De Zerbi has endured a challenging start as Brighton boss, having won just twice during his tenure. The most impressive was a 4-1 victory over Graham Potter’s Chelsea back in October.
Leandro Trossard is enjoying a fruitful season to date, having found the net seven times and laid on a further three assists for the Seagulls.
Having conceded eight goals in their last four games, defensively De Zerbi’s side are there to be got at. If Arsenal can match Brighton’s tireless running and work ethic throughout, it should be another chance at three points.
# Arsenal v Newcastle United – 03 January – Emirates Stadium – 19:45 KO
Business springs into action during 2023 for the Gunners, first facing Newcastle United in what is set to be a blockbuster clash against the top-four hopefuls.
Eddie Howe’s men have been in fine fettle thus far this season and are bidding to qualify for Europe for the first time since the 2012/13 season.
Midfield duo Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will have to be watched closely, whilst Callum Wilson’s superb strike rate in front of goal also means Arsenal’s backline will be no doubt kept busy across the evening.
#Spurs vs Arsenal – 15 January – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – 16:30 KO
Following FA Cup action against Oxford United, it’s the return of the North London Derby, and Arteta’s side will be keen to complete a domestic double over Antonio Conte’s men this season.
Also returning to the site of which their top four hopes were dashed last year, it’s set to be another fiery encounter, with both teams having more than enough at stake across a hectic Super Sunday.
Harry Kane will no doubt be bidding to extinguish any lingering memories of his World Cup woes and dashing Arsenal’s title hopes could well be at the top of his list come January 15.
# Arsenal v Manchester United – 22 January – Emirates Stadium – 16:30 KO
At the time of writing, Erik ten Hag’s men are the only side to have notched a victory over the Gunners in the Premier League this season.
The Reds are a team transformed under the Dutchman’s tutelage and midfield duo Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are just two names Arteta will have to craft a cunning plan to stop their diligent midfield work.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli could hold the key to success in this one, with both Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot often easy targets to penetrate when things get tough
