The 5 games that could define Arsenal's 2025/26 season
The Gunners have been securing a second-place finish in the league for three consecutive campaigns now, and this time, Mikel Arteta is expected to pull out all stops to go for the trophy in the upcoming season.
Arsenal have made significant additions in the ongoing summer transfer window to strengthen their squad. However, there could be some crucial fixtures that decide the Gunners' fate in the 2025/26 campaign.
The Sporting News takes a look at the five league fixtures that could define Arsenal's upcoming league season.
Manchester United (Away) - August 17, 2025
Arsenal are pitted against Manchester United in their opening match of the 2025/26 Premier League on August 17 at Old Trafford.
While the first match of the season is crucial to set the tone for the remainder of the campaign, the Gunners have not had much luck with victories at Man United's home ground.
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Arsenal have managed only five wins while the Red Devils have secured 18 victories in 33 league games at Old Trafford.
Chelsea (Away) - November 29, 2025
The North-West London derby has been one of the oldest and most contested London derbies.
Arsenal's league match against Chelsea on November 29 at Stamford Bridge will mark to be the first North-West London derby of the upcoming season.
The Gunners have a good overall record against the Blues in the Premier League. However, Arsenal are a bit behind when it comes to victories at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal have won 10 league games out of 33 at the Blues' home ground while Chelsea have bagged 13 victories, with the remaining 10 matches ending in a draw.
Liverpool (Home) - January 08, 2026
Arsenal are set to host Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on January 8, 2025.
Liverpool claimed the Premier League title last season and will be looking to defend their squad in the upcoming campaign, making their match against Arsenal a fight between potential title contenders.
Arsenal and Liverpool have faced each other on 66 occasions in the league, where the Reds have maintained a better record with 25 victories in comparison to the Gunners' 18 wins.
Tottenham Hotspur (Away) - February 21, 2026
The North London derby has always been one of the most popular derbies in English football.
Arsenal have maintained a good record against Tottenham Hotspur when it comes to wins against each other in the Premier League. However, the Gunners are off by five victories when it comes to matches held at the Spurs' home ground.
Arsenal will be looking to increase their tally of victories at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium while adding three important points to the Premier League table next season.
Manchester City (Away) - April 18, 2026
Arsenal will be making the trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City in the Premier League on April 18, 2026.
Arsenal and City are pretty close when it comes to their results against each other at the Etihad. Arteta's side have secured 11 wins while Guardiola's clan have 12 victories in 28 league games.
The Gunners and Man City have been in close contention, going by their ranks in the league table over the past seasons, and the results of their match next year will be crucial to their respective rankings then.
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