Arsenal next five Premier League fixtures compared to Liverpool and Man City after title drama

And after all of that, and there was a lot of all of that, the gap remains the same. Seven points looked big, even for this early stage of the season, one would have been enormous. A draw leaves it at four, and Manchester City the real winners.

For Arsenal, this was a case of what might have been. Bukayo Saka's return to the side didn't take long to have been worth the wait, though. His goal was evidence of the best of Arsenal, the best of Saka.

Fighting this injury beast is becoming an unwinnable task. It's costing them. As the fixture list ramps up, could this be the thing that Arsenal turn to and point at as a game-changer? And not a good one?

Really, though, Arsenal haven't been at their best yet this season. What Mikel Arteta's side doesn't lack is heart.

They can claw away at matches to stay in them. Here, Liverpool themselves didn't do enough to win a game that unfolded in front of them. A draw that both sides will take but could have been more.

Here, football.london looks at how the upcoming fixtures compare to their two title rivals.

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Newcastle (A) - Saturday, November 2

Things don't get immediately much easier for Arsenal as they visit Newcastle. Eddie Howe's side aren't the same intense machine that had become a top-four contender in the past two seasons but at home they still pose weapons.

Newcastle were beaten for a second week in a row on Sunday afternoon as Chelsea narrowly won 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. It is now five league games without victory for the Magpies, and Arsenal will be keen to extend that run. They first need to beat Preston North End in the Carabao Cup.

Chelsea (A) - Sunday, November 10

A second consecutive away match, and far from an easy one. Chelsea have been an impressive force so far under Enzo Maresca and have only lost to Manchester City and Liverpool this term. Given Arsenal's position alongside those sides, it may well give Arteta a boost that against better opposition, Chelsea have come undone.

The Blues also have a shocking recent record against their London rivals. With Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson in fine form, though, Chelsea certainly have plenty to cause Arsenal problems.

Nottingham Forest (H) - Saturday, November 23

After the November international break things calm down a bit for Arsenal. Nottingham Forest aren't a team to be taken lightly, as their position in the table suggests, but this is still an easier game on paper than what has come before. Especially at home, though, Arsenal will back themselves to beat weaker opposition.

Liverpool were undone by Nuno Espirito Santo's side, though, so there is a clear warning for just what can go wrong. Catching Forest cold after two weeks off from domestic football might be the way forward. Liverpool's defeat came in similar circumstances, adding to their danger.

West Ham (A) - Wednesday, November 30

Manchester United weren't able to beat West Ham but almost everyone else has been good enough to mount a host of early season problems at Julen Lopetegui's door. At the London Stadium as well, there isn't too much to fear for Arsenal.

Tottenham clinically dismissed the Hammers, as did Chelsea. Arsenal dropped crucial points against them last season, though, and will be in no mood to repeat that here. Jarrod Bowen can be a pain, as can Crysencio Summerville, but there are more than enough defensive flaws to be confident of claiming victory.

Manchester United (H) - Wednesday, December 4

If Erik ten Hag lasts until this game, then he will have done well. United are a mess. The table reflects it. 14th after nine games and with just the one win in seven matches, there is no papering over the cracks at Old Trafford.

Arsenal had to fight to win both meetings last season, yet United are somehow even weaker and less organised now. They really don't have much to be worried about right now, Unfortunately, there are enough good players who could hit their stride with a new coach, and that is a very real possibility.

Manchester City next five fixtures

Bournemouth (A) - Saturday, November 2.

Brighton (A) - Saturday, November 9.

Tottenham (H) - Saturday, November 23.

Liverpool (A) - Sunday, December 1.

Nottingham Forest (H) - Wednesday, December 4.

Liverpool next five fixtures

Brighton (H) - Saturday, November 2.

Aston Villa (H) - Saturday, November 9.

Southampton (A) - Sunday, November 24.

Manchester City (A) - Sunday, December 1.

Newcastle (A) - Wednesday, December 4.