The nine games that will define Arsenal’s season

When the Premier League fixture list was released there was much analysis done of the first four Arsenal games, mainly because Tottenham and Liverpool fell within that period.

The same applies to the end of season set of games, as well as the festive period and rightfully so, those periods are littered with tricky games and top-six rivals, however, there is a period of nine games where the stars align and all things being equal, Arsenal can collect a maximum of 27 points.

Starting on the 6th October until 7th December these are the nine games

06/10/19 Arsenal v AFC Bournemouth
21/10/19 Sheffield United v Arsenal
27/10/19 Arsenal v Crystal Palace
02/11/19 Arsenal v Wolverhampton
09/11/19 Leicester City v Arsenal
23/11/19 Arsenal v Southampton
30/11/19 Norwich City v Arsenal
03/12/19 Arsenal v Brighton
07/12/19 West Ham United v Arsenal

Now, I will say in advance that I accept Arsenal can lose any of those matches, any team can, these are all Premier League rivals but let’s be honest, if we are to finish top-four or even challenge for the title we should be beating each of those sides.

I also accept that there are games in that list that we lost in the last campaign but this is a new season, we have strengthened significantly and because of the dropped points against some of those teams, the season was a failure.

For me, all those nine fixtures are very winnable, we have five home games and if we cannot collect all 15 points against those opponents then we are in trouble.

The four away games are far from walkovers, but again, if we cannot collect 12 points against those opponents then we will have problems.

As an example, Leicester City away, a very difficult game, even Man City lost against them last season but you know what, Crystal Palace did not, they won 4-1, Man Utd beat them, Tottenham beat them, in better words, they are beatable, they are not world-beaters and it is losing games like that, that cost Arsenal so dearly.

For me, those nine games are vital, win all nine and top-four at the very least would be more than possible, drop significant points in that run of games and our season could easily go off the rails.

17 Comments

  1. YES Martin , those nine games are our best chance to gain points back on some of our rivals who may, or hopefully will not, be ahead of us by the start of that run. I discount City and Liverpool for obvious reasons . But Spuds, United and just possibly Chelski, will I think be close to us when that run starts. Momentum is key as all fans know. Currently I still predict 5th for us but much will depend on injuries, both ours and our three actual rivals for third to sixth. If we can avoid having to use Mkhi, Ozil, Mustafi, Xhaka and Elneny almost completely or because they have gone, we will have a serious chance for third place.

  2. Good article. I agree that a big team like Arsenal should be able to beat those mid-table teams, if they want to finish in top four

    I’m also worried of the Leicester and the West Ham games, because they have excellent managers

    Luckily Vardy is getting older and Arnautovic has already gone to China. I also believe the new Gunners would be fully integrated by then

      1. I don’t think he could do it again, because he will be almost 33 years old when he meets us again in November

        1. He doesn’t need any motivation when playing us, so we shall see!
          I think all of those games are potential banana skins…we’ve seen it all before, right? Expected to win & a lapse in concentration and those precious points are dropped! But things may be different this season, as we have strengthened! ?

  3. Was just looking at these stretch of games today actually and completely agree. That period will be crucial to our success.

  4. it is true those game we be our crucial moment this season. but if we can manage to beat all those team. i am very sure we will be among club competing for league wit city and liverpool

  5. We need to focus on each match one at a time. Focus on winning the next match.

    Too many draws is as bad or worse than several losses. We need to find out how to win. Win ugly if we have to but WIN

    1. Best result Sue, would be a few injuries for each side. Not wishing anything bad on any player……
      Just the odd hamstring or metatarsal!

  6. A few of those teams beat us less than a few months ago……………every game is hard unless you are at the level of last seasons top two.

  7. Let’s leave the 9 thought will be banana games to peel by Arsenal with ease till the time to play the 9 matches come for the Gunners to deal with them.

    But for now, what should be of immediate concern to us Gooners should be our next PL match at home against Burnley on Saturday. A match which I wouldn’t want Arsenal to take beating them for granted. But be fully prepared in all the ramifications of preparing to play a PL match and deal with Burnley decisively in the match scoring the goals that will count in beating them. And put up an impregnable defending in the match to prevent them from scoring a single goal in the match against us but inflict to them a heavy load of goals to them to carry home at the end of match. One match at a time please.

  8. I wish to take exception to Jon Fox and state that there is no unbeatable team in EPL whether Man City or Liverpool. Does anyone remember that last season we took the game to Liverpool and only capitulated later due to the players’ lack of spirit and fight? I believe with good players and motivation we can stand up to any team. Didn’t Chelsea hold Liverpool in the Super cup yesterday? Well the tie was won by Liverpool on penalties but that doesn’t mean much, does it? Since pre-season Liverpool hasn’t been outstanding. Man city is very beatable as evidenced by Leicester last season and some few other teams.
    Arsenal requires to put faith in our new squad and give them all the support and encouragement and our team will deliver. There should be no reason to classify some games as unwinnable. All games are winnable and that should be the spirit we inculcate in our team.

  9. The only important game is the next match against Burnley.One game at a time is the maxim to follow and I am sure Emery will be getting his players to focus accordingly.

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