Arsenal have a favourable Premier League fixture schedule compared to title rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa
22:38, 30 Dec 2025
Arsenal thumped Aston Villa in the Premier League on Tuesday evening to remain top of the table(Image: (John Walton/PA Wire))
Arsenal made a Premier League title statement with a 4-1 victory over Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening. Goals from the returning Gabriel Magalhaes, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus meant Ollie Watkins’ late strike was merely a consolation.
Viktor Gyokeres had sent two headers narrowly wide of the goal while Trossard forced Emiliano Martinez into a save at the near post in a first half with minimal chances. Villa also had some opportunities, with Watkins going close on several occasions.
Arsenal proved too strong for Villa in the second half though, with Gabriel scrambling home a Bukayo Saka corner on his return. Zubimendi doubled the hosts’ advantage just minutes later with a smart finish from a superbly-weighted pass by Martin Odegaard.
Following a lengthy VAR check for two separate offside incidents, an Arsenal third through Trossard was confirmed before Jesus wrapped up the points with one of his first touches after coming on. A stoppage-time strike from Ollie Watkins was the only blemish on an otherwise excellent night.
Arsenal’s dominant win has put daylight between themselves and Villa while also putting pressure on Manchester City for their clash against Sunderland on New Year’s Day. With that being said, football.london has compared the upcoming fixtures for all three title rivals.
Arsenal’s next five Premier League fixtures
Bournemouth (A) – Jan 3
Liverpool (H) – Jan 8
Nottingham Forest (A) – Jan 17
Manchester United (H) – Jan 25
Leeds United (A) – Jan 31
Verdict: Arsenal could face a challenging few weeks, starting with a trip to Bournemouth. The availability of Antoine Semenyo, who is set to join Manchester City in January, is expected to play a vital role in the outcome.
Liverpool then make the trip to Emirates Stadium the following midweek before there is a break from Premier League football for Carabao and FA Cup action.
Arsenal are then scheduled to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground before welcoming Manchester United to north London. January ends for Mikel Arteta’s side against in-form Leeds United at Elland Road.
Arsenal were superb in the second-half against Aston Villa to wi 4-1(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester City’s next five Premier League fixtures
Sunderland (A) – Jan 1
Chelsea (H) – Jan 4
Brighton (H) – Jan 7
Man United (A) – Jan 17
Wolves (H) – Jan 24
Verdict: It also could be a difficult few weeks for Man City as they take on three of the current top seven. A trip to Sunderland, who are unbeaten at home, is first up on their schedule before hosting Chelsea a few days later.
City remain at Etihad Stadium for their clash against Brighton before heading to Old Trafford for a Manchester Derby. Bottom side Wolves are the opponents for their final league match of January with three points the absolute minimum.
Aston Villa’s next five Premier League fixtures
Nottingham Forest (H) – Jan 3
Crystal Palace (A) – Jan 7
Everton (H) – Jan 18
Newcastle (A) – Jan 25
Brentford (H) – Feb 1
Verdict: Despite being heavily beaten, Villa are arguably still in the Premier League title race. A victory at home to Nottingham Forest this weekend will be the perfect response to this setback.
Unai Emery’s side later face Crystal Palace, who they have not beaten in their last six attempts, away from home. Everton are the next visitors to Villa Park before a trip to Newcastle the following weekend.
Villa’s first fixture in February is against Brentford, who are one of just four teams to have beaten them in the league this season.
