3 April fixtures that will define Arsenal’s title charge

Here we go then: the final stretch. How are your nerves?

The March international break did disrupt Arsenal’s seemingly unwavering momentum in the wake of their defeat to title rivals Man City, but it did offer supporters some respite from the emotional rollercoaster they’ve endured in recent weeks.

The thrills and spills are only set to continue over the next two months as the Gunners attempt to disrupt City’s monopoly over the division and claim their first Premier League title since the Invincibles made history in 2003/04.

March was a perfect month from a domestic standpoint, but April prove even more definitive in Arsenal’s quest for silverware.

3 April fixtures that will define Arsenal’s title charge

Here are three April fixtures that will define the Gunners’ charge for the Premier League title.

1. Liverpool vs Arsenal (9 April – 16:30 KO)

Mikel Arteta will be hoping that Liverpool do them a massive favour before the Gunners take on Leeds on Saturday afternoon. The Reds take on contemporary rivals City in the early kick-off this weekend, and Arsenal will be hugely grateful if they can snatch anything from the Etihad.

The following week, Arteta’s side visit Anfield on Super Sunday.

While Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have endured a pretty wretched season, claiming anything on Liverpool’s home patch is never easy. Arsenal haven’t won at Anfield since 2012, and the hosts could welcome back Luis Diaz for the league leaders’ visit.

2. Man City vs Arsenal (26 April – 20:00 KO)

I mean, this is as definitive as it gets.

Arsenal’s response to their defeat against City has been nothing short of immense. They’ve been faultless since, and that’s why they currently boast a healthy advantage over the Citizens at the summit.

City play just three more Premier League games before this midweek encounter, while Arsenal have four games. Thus, if all goes well, their lead at the top could creep into double digits by the time this mammoth clash rolls around.

Fixture congestion could compromise Pep Guardiola’s side down the stretch, but they’ve certainly got the squad to compete on multiple fronts. However, it feels as if the Gunners claim anything from the Etihad for the first time since 2016, the title may well be heading to north London.

3. Arsenal vs Chelsea (29 April – 17:30 KO)

Who knows what the mood will be like at the Emirates for the final London derby of the season? The Gunners have been utterly dominant against their crosstown rivals this season, and they produced one of their most impressive performances of the season in the reverse fixture against the Blues.

However, this is a new-look Chelsea, and while Graham Potter is perhaps yet to find his optimal formula, his side is stacked with talent.

The Blues may not be playing for much in the Premier League by the time they visit the Emirates, but they’ll be keen to disrupt the Gunners’ title bid.