Arsenal suffered a setback in their Premier League title challenge as they lost 1-0 to Everton at Goodison Park. Mikel Arteta watched his side taste defeat for just the second time this season on a frustrating afternoon in Merseyside.
The Gunners were unable to break through the Toffees' stubborn defensive setup as Sean Dyche got the better of Arteta in his first game in charge of Everton. It was a physical contest with Amadou Onana, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye getting the better of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey throughout the game.
Neal Maupay proved to be the villain against the Gunners once again as he got under Oleksandr Zinchenko's skin late in the match after benefitting from a VAR decision despite seemingly tripping up Gabriel Magalhaes in the penalty box. Arteta has urged his players and Arsenal fans to stay calm as attentions now turn to preparations for a clash against Brentford at the Emirates Stadium next week.
READ MORE: Arsenal evolution highlighted despite Everton loss as Mikel Arteta faces title race realisation
The north Londoners remain five points clear at the top of the table but Manchester City have the chance to close the gap to just two points by the end of the week as they prepare to take on Tottenham on Sunday. Following the disappointing 1-0 defeat against Everton, football.london takes a look at the Gunners' next five fixtures compared to their main rivals this season.
Brentford (H) - Premier League - February 11
Arsenal last faced Brentford off the back of their defeat to Manchester United and picked up a 3-0 win against Thomas Frank's side. Mikel Arteta will hope his side can repeat that same trick this time around heading into the match after a loss against Everton.
Brentford have been one of the most impressive teams this season with the Bees fighting for a European football qualification spot in the table. Ivan Toney is the main threat in attack but Bryan Mbeumo is just as capable of causing problems for the Gunners' defence, whilst David Raya has impressed in goal.
Arsenal will hope they can pick up a strong result against Brentford ahead of a huge game against Man City just days later.
Man City (H) - Premier League - February 15
The big one. Arsenal suffered defeat against City in their first meeting this season as they were dumped out of the FA Cup against Pep Guardiola's side.
Arteta will hope his players can get revenge and gain a crucial advantage over City in the title race by avoiding defeat. Guardiola's side could close the gap to the Premier League leaders this weekend and may be ahead of the Gunners when the two sides meet if Brentford cause an upset at the Emirates Stadium days before their title clash.
Aston Villa (A) - Premier League - February 18
Unai Emery will welcome his former team to Villa Park in what is expected to be a tricky test for the north London outfit. Villa replaced Steven Gerrard earlier this season with the Spaniard who will be hoping to get one over his old team.
Leicester City (A) - Premier League - February 25
Leicester away is always a tough test for any side and Arteta will need his players to be at their best to earn a positive result at the King Power Stadium. It has not been the best season for the Foxes but players like James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, Kelechi Iheanacho and Patson Daka are all a threat in what could be a high-scoring fixture.
Bournemouth (H) - Premier League - March 4
Bournemouth are considered to be the easiest fixture in Arsenal's next run of games but they are not to be taken for granted. These types of games are always the ones that could derail a title challenge and Arteta knows his team must be up for a fight with the Cherries fighting relegation.
Man City next five fixtures:
Tottenham (A) - February 5
Aston Villa (H) - February 12
Arsenal (A) - February 15
Nottingham Forest (A) - February 18
Bournemouth (A) - February 25
Man Utd next five fixtures:
Leeds (H) - February 8
Leicester City (H) - February 19
Liverpool (A) - March 5
Southampton (H) - March 11
Brighton (A) - March 19
Newcastle next five fixtures:
Bournemouth (A) - February 11
Liverpool (H) - February 18
Man City (A) - March 4
Wolves (H) - March 12
Nottingham Forest (A) - March 17
Tottenham next five fixtures:
Man City (H) - February 5
Leicester City (A) - February 11
West Ham (H) - February 19
Chelsea (H) - February 26
Wolves (A) - March 4
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