Arsenal were unable to return to the top of the Premier League table after losing to West Ham United 2-0 on Thursday evening thanks to goals from Tomas Soucek and Konstantinos Mavropanos. The Gunners had started the day second in the table, two points behind league-leaders Liverpool, albeit the Reds had played an extra game than their title rivals.

And Mikel Arteta's side couldn't climb back to the summit, still only one point clear of Aston Villa in third and three above fourth-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand due to their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup. There is a quick turnaround for the north Londoners, who are back in action this weekend when they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage.

So with all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at Arsenal's next five fixtures and compared them to Liverpool and City, who appear to be their most likely title rivals.

Fulham (A) - December 31 Arsenal end a wonderful 2023 with a Premier League clash against London rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage. Leandro Trossard was the star of the show in last season's clash as he picked up three assists, although Fulham have been heavily among the goals this season, particularly at home.

However, Burnley shockingly picked up a 2-0 victory against the Cottagers this past weekend ending their run three consecutive home league wins.

Liverpool (H) - January 7 (FA Cup) Just a few weeks on from their Premier League clash, Arsenal take on Liverpool once again but this time in FA Cup action. The Gunners were knocked out in the third round last season after being drawn against Manchester City with a 1-0 defeat at Etihad Stadium the final score.

While there was nothing between the two teams in late December, a winner must be determined and thus one of the favourites will be knocked out in the early stages.

Crystal Palace (H) - January 20 Due to the winter break, Arsenal's first Premier League fixture of 2024 arrives well into the month of January. The Eagles have been in a poor run of form in recent months with no wins in their last seven games.

In the reverse fixture, a Martin Odegaard penalty sealed the victory with Takehiro Tomiyasu sent off in the clash that caused a nervy final period for Mikel Arteta and his players.

Nottingham Forest (A) - January 30 For their final clash of January, Arsenal head north for a clash against Nottingham Forest in a repeat of their Premier League opener. The Gunners saw their title charge from last season end at the City Ground courtesy of a 1-0 defeat, however a lot has changed since that clash.

Arteta has recruited significantly and he will instead face up to former Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo after Steve Cooper was sacked earlier this month.

Liverpool (H) - February 4 Arsenal then welcome Liverpool to the Emirates in what could prove to be a hugely important fixture in the title race. Last season, the Gunners won the corresponding fixture 3-2 thanks to a Gabriel Martinelli goal and a Bukayo Saka brace.

Arteta and Co will be hoping for a similar result this term. To make matters even more interesting, the Reds may be without star forward Mohamed Salah for this fixture depending on how far Egypt advance in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Manchester City Sheffield United (H) - December 30

Huddersfield Town (H) - January 7 (FA Cup)

Newcastle (A) - January 13

Burnley (H) - January 30

Brentford (A) - February 5

Liverpool Newcastle (H) - January 1

Arsenal (H) - January 7 (FA Cup)

Fulham (H) - January 10 (Carabao Cup)

Bournemouth (A) - January 21

Fulham (A) - January 24 (Carabao Cup)

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