Arsenal is gearing up for a crucial run of fixtures across multiple competitions in the next few weeks, with the stakes rising as they try to balance their silverware ambitions at the Premier League, Carabao Cup, and UEFA Champions League.
Fresh off from David Raya’s big saves for the Gunners in a goalless draw against the UEFA Europa League defending champions (Atlanta FC) in the Champions League on Thursday night. The Spaniard saved Mateo Retegui’s penalty in the 51st minute and also managed to put away the striker’s rebound, securing another clean sheet for Arsenal (fourth in five games this season).
It could have been worse for Arsenal, who struggled to show their footing in the game and didn’t show signs of improvement. Mikel Arteta seemed satisfied with scratching off a point from the UCL opener and would be looking forward to their upcoming games.
The team’s recent defensive solidity has been a key talking point, but questions around creativity up front, particularly in the absence of Martin Odegaard, have begun to surface. With a packed schedule, these next few games will test Arsenal’s depth and ability to maintain form and navigate challenges on multiple fronts.
Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers (Carabao Cup, Wednesday 25th September 2024, 19:45)
Arsenal return to the Ethihad to host Bolton in the Carabao Cup Third Round. Arteta is likely to rotate his squad and give opportunities to benched and newly promoted players. They are most likely to win the game against the Bolton Wanderers, who play in the Championship. The underdogs have a good defensive network, which is a nutshell for Arteta’s men to crack on their journey to earning silverware this season.
Arsenal vs Leicester City (Premier League, Saturday 28th September 2024, 15:00)
The Gunners face newly promoted side, Leicester City in the Premier League. It’s been over a year since both teams faced off in a competitive game and the Gunners came out victorious in both encounters back in the 2022/23 season. The Foxes have had a tough start on their return to the Premier League, picking up only 2 points from the last four EPL games. Their unpredictable form will be a worry as Arsenal will look forward to solidifying their position in the Premier League.
Playing at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal will likely be the dominating side against Steve Cooper’s Foxes. They will be wary of the Foxes’ counter-attacking style of play and be cautious not to leave spaces behind. Evergreen striker Jamie Vardy remains a threat in front of goal when he gets playtime, and would be the opposition player to watch out for. Overall, expect the Gunners to dominate possession while depending on their creative midfield to break Leicester’s defense.
Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain (UEFA Champions League, Tuesday 1st October 2024, 20:00)
Arsenal’s return to the Champions League in a heavyweight clash against French champions – Paris Saint-Germain. This will be one of Arsenal’s toughest League phase encounters, as PSG boasts world-class talents across and beyond their starting eleven. Each team is vying for valuable points to keep them alive and above in the UEFA Champions League Standings. The French side would look upon building their 1-0 victory to Girona in their first game while Mikel Arteta’s side looked to better shortcomings from the game with Atlanta.
The Gunners will rely on their remarkable defensive gameplay while hoping their attacking players can break PSG’s weaknesses, particularly on the counter. A positive result here would set a solid foundation for their European campaign this season.
Arsenal vs Southampton (Premier League, Saturday 5th October 2024,15:00)
The Gunners continue their home game run when they welcome Southampton to the Emirates Stadium for Gameweek 7. Southampton has the worst start to the 2024/25 EPL campaign (as well as Everton). They have failed to win a point in four games and have only recorded a goal in the League. Their EFL progress shows that the club is making improvements to their defensive vulnerabilities to keep their surviving record in the Premier League.
Arsenal are clear favourites to win this game having won four of their last five games against the Saints. Their front line will capitalize on any defensive errors, while the midfield will be tasked with controlling the tempo and maintaining pressure on the visitors throughout the game.
Bournemouth vs Arsenal (Premier League, Saturday 19th October 2024, 17:30)
Mikel Arteta and the team travel to the south coast to face Bournemouth after the International break. Bournemouth’s home advantage will pose little challenge to a team that has beaten them five times in six previous games. The Cherries will likely set up defensively, hoping to frustrate Mikel Arteta’s men to the very end and set up surprise attacks. The Gunners’ willpower to win the League this season will motivate them to claim a resounding win against the Cherries.
Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk (UEFA Champions League, Tuesday 22nd October 2024, 20:00)
Shakhtar Donetsk travels to North London in a Champions League tie where Arsenal will aim to control possession and score as many times as they can to stay afloat in the UCL League Standings. Shakhtar are known for their counter-attacking style of play, so Arsenal will need to be cautious of turnovers.
With Inter Milan, Dinamo Zagreb, Sporting Lisbon, Monaco, and Girona still left to play, Mikel Arteta’s team would fight to leave an impression early in the competition and gather all the points they could. Finishing in a top spot gives them access to play a lesser competitor in the knockout rounds. A win here could be pivotal in securing Arsenal’s progression to the knockout stages.
Arsenal vs Liverpool (Premier League, Sunday 27th October 2024, 16:30)
Arsenal welcome Arne Slot’s side to the Emirates for another decisive Premier League encounter. Clashes between the two have always been the talk of the town. In their last encounter at the pre-season, Liverpool got the better of Arteta’s side at the US tour and would be looking to replicate their victory when they go against Arsenal in Gameweek 9.
Mikel Arteta understands how crucial this game is for his side in the title race and would exploit all opportunities with his team to gain maximum points in his first official face-off with Arne Slot’s Liverpool. A win here for both teams could have significant implications in the race for the EPL title.
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