Arsenal suffered another major hit in their Premier League title battle with Manchester City as the Gunners let a two-goal lead slip against West Ham. Seven days on from dropping two points in a major Anfield clash with Liverpool, Mikel Arteta's men looked to be back at their very best when Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus put the visitors two goals in front after just ten minutes at London Stadium.
However, it was deja vu for the league leaders as another away game ended in a stalemate. A penalty just before half time from Said Benrahma brought West Ham back into the clash, but their second half comeback looked set to take a hit as Arsenal were awarded a penalty for a handball by Michail Antonio.
Bukayo Saka stepped up but fired his spot kick wide off the target, with Jarrod Bowen going on to equalise less than two minutes later. Heading into the final few weeks of the season, the Gunners are four points above title rivals Man City, although the reigning champions have a game in hand and the Etihad Stadium clash is fast approaching.
READ MORE: Kolo Toure tells Arsenal how to exploit potential Man City weakness in crucial title-decider
Before, and in between that, Arsenal face numerous tough fixtures in their pursuit for Premier League glory. With that said, football.london has taken a look at the Gunners' next five fixtures compared to title rivals City.
Southampton (H) - Friday, April 21
Following two successive draws, a home clash with the team at the bottom of the Premier League table could be the perfect fixture to bounce back from. The Saints remained at the base of the division after Crystal Palace secured a third successive win this past weekend as they now sit four points off safety.
For the first time in a number of weeks, Arsenal play before City in this match week which could hand them the mental advantage. In fact, City's priorities turn this weekend as they prepare for an FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United.
Man City (A) - Wednesday, April 26
This will be the big one. Arsenal travel to Etihad Stadium for a monumental Premier League clash that will likely decide the title. In the fixture in north London earlier in the season, City secured a significant 3-1 victory and will be hoping to do the same on home soil.
In the last two months, City have won 10 consecutive games in three different competitions and could head into the decisive title clash having taken maximum points from their last six outings.
Chelsea (H) - Saturday, April 29
Arsenal will be searching for a Premier League double against London rivals Chelsea at the end of the month. The Gunners secured a narrow, but dominant 1-0 win over the Blues at Stamford Bridge and will be looking to emulate their 3-1 against Chelsea on Boxing Day, 2020.
Despite appointing Frank Lampard on an interim basis, the west Londoners have lost their last three games in all competitions. Last weekend, Brighton were victorious in SW6 to continue the Blues' struggles as they languish in eleventh.
Newcastle (A) - Sunday, May 7
Perhaps behind the clash with Manchester City, Arsenal's visit to St James Park looks to be pivotal. Last season, the Gunners crumbled up north and that defeat saw their top four hopes dissipate.
However the clash ends this time round it will likely show exactly where Arsenal are in their project under Mikel Arteta. The Magpies are also pushing for a first in several decades as they hope to qualify for the 2023/24 Champions League.
Brighton (H) - Sunday, May 14
The massive tests do not stop for Arteta and his players as another clash against a European-chasing team comes with just weeks left of the season. Under Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton have continued their push for a top six spot and following the weekend's results sit seventh.
Man City's potentially decisive game in hand comes against the Seagulls. Therefore, with both title rivals to play, Brighton could ultimately end up deciding where the title goes.
READ MORE: Kolo Toure tells Arsenal how to exploit potential Man City weakness in crucial title-decider
Manchester City's next five fixtures:
Arsenal (H) - April 26
Fulham (A) - April 30
West Ham (H) - May 3
Leeds United (H) - May 7
Everton (A) - May 14
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