Arsenal handed Premier League title race boost chance that Mikel Arteta must not squander

Arsenal have the chance to reduce the gap between themselves and Liverpool when Premier League action resumes this weekend.

The Gunners have not played a competitive game since their 1-1 draw with London rivals Chelsea on November 10, with the November international break offering Mikel Arteta's squad the perfect chance to rest and recover. Martin Odegaard remained in north London instead of joining up with the Norway squad, while the likes of Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are nearing returns.

Long-term absentee Kieran Tierney was even pictured in training this week and could even be in contention for the visit of Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Nuno Espirito Santo's side will arrive at Emirates Stadium full of confidence, with the Reds on the same number of points as Arsenal in the league.

Currently fourth, the Gunners are four points behind Manchester City in second and nine points adrift of table toppers Liverpool. Looking at the fixtures, though, Arsenal have the opportunity to put the pressure on both sides this weekend.

That's because Arsenal take on Nottingham Forest at 3pm on Saturday, while Man City face Tottenham in the Saturday evening match at 5:30pm. Liverpool, meanwhile, travel to Southampton on Sunday, with Arne Slot's side kicking off at 2pm.

If Arsenal do secure a valuable three points on Saturday, that will mean the Gunners go just one point behind Man City and six points behind Liverpool, for a couple of hours at least. This will undoubtedly put the pressure on the two teams before they even kick-off their respective fixtures.

A win against Nottingham Forest would also be the dream start to what is a kind run of fixtures for Arsenal, with West Ham, Fulham, Everton, Crystal Palace, Ipswich and Brentford all to come in the coming weeks. Perhaps the toughest challenge for Arteta's side is the clash against Manchester United on December 4, although it is at the Emirates Stadium.

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