Arsenal's title run-in fixtures after Chelsea win

Given the relentless edge which Manchester City carry into each game, Arsenal's title run-in may devolve into watching the Sky Blues stride out of sight over the horizon.

However, Mikel Arteta insists that the "nicest part of the season" is still to come. It is quite the billing considering the heaven-scraping highs Arsenal have enjoyed throughout the first two-thirds of the campaign.

The gloom may be clouding over Arsenal's title tilt but here's what awaits the Gunners and their optimistic manager.

Newcastle vs Arsenal - Premier League

However much Arteta may protest, Arsenal are far from their apex. Newcastle, by contrast, have struck upon the most imperious form of their season.

Across eight wins from their last nine games, Eddie Howe's side are not only defeating teams but dismantling them. Newcastle have scored 26 goals since mid-March, more than any other team in the division in this time.

• 07/05/23 - Newcastle vs Arsenal (16:30)

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Arsenal vs Brighton - Premier League

Brighton romped to a 6-0 victory over Wolves at the end of April without Alexis Mac Allister or Moises Caicedo. Roberto De Zerbi deliberately rested his first-choice midfield pairing against Wolves but suspension and World Cup celebration ensured that neither featured against Arsenal at the Amex on New Year's Eve.

The Gunners raced into a 3-0 lead on a sodden south coast evening, holding off the resurgent Seagulls to win 4-2 in a thrilling encounter. Injury permitting, Brighton should field a full-strength side for an intriguing trip to the Emirates in May.

• 14/05/23 - Arsenal vs Brighton (16:30)

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal - Premier League

Aaron Ramsdale may have to keep his wits about him when collecting the ball at the Trent End. Arsenal's legendary goalkeeper Pat Jennings had a dart thrown onto his forearm when fetching possession during a match at Nottingham Forest in the late 1970s.

Not much was made of the incident during the game (incredibly) but Forest's manager Brian Clough felt compelled to pen a letter which Jennings would go on to carry with him wherever he went. "Dear Pat," the correspondence began, "I have absolutely no sympathy for you whatsoever.

"Every time you come to the City Ground you stop everything that comes in your direction, so it’s of no surprise to me that you stopped the dart on this occasion.

"Lots of love, Brian."

• 20/05/23 - Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal (17:30)

Arsenal vs Wolves - Premier League

Julen Lopetegui had been announced as the next Wolves manager but had not yet taken over the team when Arsenal beat Wolves 2-0 at Molineux in November.

Arteta may not have had the chance to pit his managerial wits against Lopetegui but he is very familiar with the fellow Basque coach. Ahead of the reverse fixture, Arteta said: "He’s a really good coach, [he’s from] not far from where I live, so I know him really, really well."

• 28/05/23 - Arsenal vs Wolves (16:30)