Arsenal have maintained their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table following a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The result sets the stage for a crucial winter period in the title race.
The Battle at the Bridge
In a match filled with drama, Chelsea took an early second-half lead through defender Trevoh Chalobah. Their advantage was short-lived, however, as Mikel Merino equalised for the Gunners in the 59th minute. Chelsea's task was made significantly harder after Moises Caicedo was shown a red card, forcing the Blues to play with ten men for the majority of the contest.
This draw means Mikel Arteta's side remains five points clear after 13 matches. Their closest challengers, Manchester City, kept pace with a 3-2 win over Leeds, while Chelsea now sit six points adrift of the league leaders.
Arsenal's Gruelling Winter Schedule
The Gunners face a demanding schedule with two matches in the coming week. Their campaign continues with a home fixture against Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, December 3. They then face a tricky away test against Unai Emery's high-flying Aston Villa on Saturday, December 6.
Looking further ahead, Arsenal's next five Premier League fixtures are:
- Brentford (H) - December 3
- Aston Villa (A) - December 6
- Wolves (H) - December 13
- Everton (A) - December 20
- Brighton (H) - December 27
How the Title Rivals Compare
The festive period will be pivotal for all contenders. Here is how the fixture lists stack up for Arsenal's main competitors.
Manchester City's Next Five Fixtures:
- Fulham (A) - December 2
- Sunderland (H) - December 6
- Crystal Palace (A) - December 14
- West Ham (H) - December 20
- Nottingham Forest (A) - December 27
Chelsea's Next Five Fixtures:
- Leeds United (A) - December 3
- Bournemouth (A) - December 6
- Everton (H) - December 13
- Newcastle United (A) - December 20
- Aston Villa (H) - December 27
With the table so tight at the top, every point will count. Arsenal's ability to navigate this busy period could prove decisive in their quest for Premier League glory.
