Arsenal have a significantly harder next month of Premier League fixtures when compared to expected title rivals Manchester City
Martin Odegaard gave his team the lead just after half time from the penalty spot before Takehiro Tomiyasu was dismissed mid-way through the second period following a foul on Jordan Ayew. However, Roy Hodgson's side did not take advantage of the extra man with the Gunners sitting deep and defending well to see out the win.
The major talking point heading into the game surrounded who would replace Jurrien Timber with Tomiyasu, Gabriel, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko all as options. In the end it was his initial replacement in the Nottingham Forest clash in Tomiyasu who came in from the start only to have his night ended early by being sent off.
Two days prior Man City beat Newcastle with a singular Julian Alvarez strike at Etihad Stadium. Another three points for each team now places them on six points, although it is Brighton who lead the way on goal difference.
Given last season's race for the title, both Arsenal and Man City are likely to remain near the top for weeks to come and with that being said, football.london has taken a look at the upcoming Premier League fixtures for several teams tipped for a high finish.
Arsenal next five fixtures:
Fulham (H) - Saturday, August 26
Arsenal return to Emirates Stadium for another London derby by welcoming Fulham. Arteta will be without Tomiyasu for the clash through suspension but Fulham will also be missing key defender Tim Ream who was sent off in their 3-0 home defeat to Brentford last Saturday.
Manchester United (H) - Sunday, September 3
The first arguable real test of Arsenal's season comes with the visit of Manchester United. Last season the Gunners won a five-goal thriller at home against Erik ten Hag's side thanks to a late Eddie Nketiah goal. Man United haven't looked at their best thus far but a victory over the Gunners in pre-season means they should not be underestimated.
Everton (A) - Saturday, September 16
Arsenal have bad memories of Goodison Park with a narrow 1-0 defeat in Sean Dyche's first game last campaign providing the first major stumbling block in their title pursuit. The Toffees are yet to score this season but will want to right their poor start with a marquee victory.
Tottenham (H) - Sunday, September 24
The first North London Derby of the season arrives towards the end of September. Arsenal have not lost against their bitter rivals on their own patch in the Premier League in over a decade, but new manager Ange Postecoglou is expected to bring an entirely different team to Emirates Stadium.
Bournemouth (A) - Saturday, September 30
Arsenal close out the month of September by facing Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The Cherries are another team reshaping their identity after parting ways with Gary O'Neill for Andoni Iraola which will certainly mean a tough encounter is on the horizon.
Manchester City's next five fixtures
Sheffield United (A) - Sunday, August 27
Fulham (H) - Saturday, September 2
West Ham (A) - Saturday, September 16
Nottingham Forest (H) - Saturday, September 23
Wolves (A) - Saturday, September 30
Brighton
West Ham (H) - Saturday, August 26
Newcastle (H) - Saturday, September 2
Manchester United (A) - Saturday, September 16
Bournemouth (H) - Sunday, September 24
Aston Villa (A) - Saturday, September 30
Liverpool
Newcastle (A) - Sunday, August 27
Aston Villa (H) - Sunday, September 3
Wolves (A) - Saturday, September 16
West Ham (H) - Sunday, September 24
Tottenham (A) - Saturday, September 30
Manchester United
Nottingham Forest (H) - Saturday, August 26
Arsenal (A) - Sunday, September 3
Brighton (H) - Saturday, September 16
Burnley (A) - Saturday, September 23
Crystal Palace (H) - Saturday, September 30