Arsenal find themselves in a thrilling yet precarious position atop the Premier League table. With just four games remaining, Mikel Arteta's young squad holds a slender lead over Liverpool and Manchester City, although the latter has two games in hand. However, two crucial fixtures in North London and Manchester threaten to derail their title charge.
This article explores two of Arsenal's final four matches that could see them drop crucial points.
1). Tottenham Hotspur (A) - 28th April, 2024
First up is the away trip to Tottenham Hotspur on April 28th. The North London Derby is always a tense affair, but this match carries extra weight. Spurs are still pushing for a Champions League spot, and a win against their bitter rivals would significantly dent Arsenal's title aspirations. Ange Postecoglou's men boast a strong counter-attacking threat, and Son Heung-Min and Richarlison remain a formidable partnership, capable of causing Arsenal problems. Arsenal's backline will need to be at their resolute best to contain this attacking duo, while Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli will need to be clinical on the counter. A draw here wouldn't be disastrous for Arsenal, but a loss would be a major setback.
2). Manchester United (12th May, 2024)
The final away fixture of the season sees Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. This match evokes memories of Arsenal's 2002 title triumph, secured with a win at the Theatre of Dreams. However, much has changed since then. While United are a shadow of their former selves, they remain a dangerous opponent, which will want to have a say in Arsenal's title race. With a passionate home crowd willing them on, United could pull off an upset that dents Arsenal's title ambitions.
While both these matches pose a significant challenge, Arsenal's biggest test will be mental. Avoiding complacency and maintaining focus will be paramount. The youthful squad must not be overawed by the occasion and stick to the game plan that has brought them success so far.