When the season started, many fans and pundits alike expected Arsenal to underperform and not challenge for the Champions League spots.
The Gunners started the season off in the worst possible way, losing 2-0 to Brentford and then losing 2-0 to Chelsea at home. They then lost 5-0 to Manchester City; it looked like things could not get any worse; many expected it to be the end of the road for Mikel Arteta.
However, after a series of poor and sub-par performances, Arteta finally got it together, and the team got back on track. The resurgence of Arsenal has been unbelievable; from being bottom of the table to now being back to their favorite fourth spot, many people have been baffled by how everything came together for the team.
The team is playing good football, with many expecting Arsenal to be a serious contender for Champions League football and the 4th spot. Given the way Manchester United is performing, the Gunners might actually end up finishing above them. Given that the expectations are very high and all eyes are on the upcoming matches, the sportsbooks on betstation.com have opened their bets to all sports enthusiasts who are ready to place a bet.
Nevertheless, heading into the new year, there are several fixtures that can make or break Arsenal’s season. From cup games to league fixtures, there are many games that the team needs to prepare for.
Arsenal’s Toughest Matchups in 2022
There are a number of crucial games that will decide Arsenal’s fate this season; the most important ones are mentioned below:
Arsenal vs Liverpool – EFL Cup Semi-final
This two-legged tie between Arsenal and Liverpool will decide if Arsenal wins any silverware this season or not. The EFL Cup is the only realistic trophy that the club can think of, given the present circumstances. This fixture is of paramount importance for the club and its fans because it will decide if Arsenal stays in the league cup or not. If the Gunners win this tie, they will have a very realistic shot at silverware this season.
Tottenham vs Arsenal
The North London derby is one of the biggest games in the Premier League, and this particular derby is of more importance than any other. This derby will decide which team from North London gets to sit in the top 4, for now at least. The Spurs are only two points behind Arsenal and have two games in hand, meaning if they win one of their games in hand, they will push Arsenal out of the Champions League spots. A win for Arsenal would give them some breathing room and help them stay in the Champions League race. A loss would mean they fall behind Tottenham and most likely Manchester United as well.
Arsenal vs Leicester
The way the race for the top 4 is going, it won’t be wrong to say that every single league game matters. Every league game that Arsenal plays until the end of this season will play a key role in deciding if they make it to the Champions League or not. Leicester has time and again proven that it is not a club you can take lightly. The fixture between Arsenal and Leicester will be of the utmost importance if the club plans on finishing in the top 4.
Arsenal vs Manchester United
This fixture is set to take place in April, and everything that has happened so far points to the fact that it will be a deciding game in the race for the top 4. Manchester United is four points behind Arsenal with a game in hand. If things keep going the same way, this particular fixture might decide if the Gunners finally get a taste of Champions League football after years. Having lost 3-2 at Old Trafford, Arsenal will be looking to win their return fixture and get one on their arch-rivals.
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