Manchester City lost their lead at the top of the Premier League after a defeat to Aston Villa, while Arsenal beat Everton to join them on 21 points. Nicolas Jackson scored either side of Erling Haaland's thirteenth goal of the season as Enzo Maresca's side lost for the first time in league action.
Just hours after the loss at Villa Park, the Gunners won at Emirates Stadium, leaving City top on goal difference but with the Premier League champions close behind. City may have a chance to create more distance between the two when they travel to the Emirates in late November, but both teams face challenging fixtures before then, with an international break also on the calendar.
Manchester City's Next Five Fixtures
City's next five Premier League matches are:
- Brighton (H) - Oct 31
- Nottingham Forest (A) - Nov 7
- Fulham (H) - Nov 21
- Arsenal (A) - Nov 29
- Leeds United (H) - Dec 2
City's next clash is at home to Brighton, which could be a challenge given that Arsenal have already lost to Fabian Hurzeler's side. A trip to Nottingham Forest follows, with three points needed after Arteta and Co. triumphed at the City Ground earlier this month.
Fulham visit the Etihad after the domestic pause, with the Cottagers still in the bottom half despite back-to-back wins. Just over a week later comes the big game against Arsenal and a chance to make a statement in the title race. The first set of midweek fixtures follows, with City back at home as Leeds United visit.
City also face Brighton (Oct 28) in the Carabao Cup, alongside RB Leipzig (Nov 4) and Napoli (Nov 24) in the Champions League.
Arsenal's Next Five Fixtures
Arsenal's next five Premier League matches are:
- Liverpool (A) - Nov 1
- Hull City (H) - Nov 7
- Newcastle United (A) - Nov 21
- Manchester City (H) - Nov 29
- Brentford (A) - Dec 2
Arsenal's next five league fixtures appear harder on paper, starting with a trip to Liverpool. City winning there already may put more pressure on Arteta's side to also claim a positive result.
The easiest opponent for both teams over the next month comes next, with newly-promoted Hull City in town, making a victory vital. A feisty clash under the lights at St James' Park follows, still a challenging fixture despite Newcastle's poor recent form.
Arsenal will then fancy their chances to beat City at the Emirates, having already bested them at a neutral venue in recent months. The following Wednesday is a quick trip across London to face Brentford.
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.
