Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool next five games as Premier League title race takes new twist

The Premier League title race took a new twist on Saturday evening as Chelsea inflicted a third straight defeat on Liverpool in as many matches at Stamford Bridge. Moises Caicedo opened the scoring with a thunderbolt before Cody Gakpo pegged the hosts back in the second half.

However, it was the Blues who had the last laugh as Estevao scored from close range to spark jubilant scenes in west London. That result for Enzo Maresca's men ensured that Arsenal moved to the top of the table.

Mikel Arteta's side won 2-0 at home to West Ham United with Declan Rice and a Bukayo Saka penalty winning the contest at the Emirates Stadium. While it remains that Arsenal and Liverpool lead the way, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester City are all looking to capitalise on any slip-ups.

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With this in mind, Mirror Football has taken a look at who the title race contenders will be taking on when the Premier League returns in just less than a fortnight.

Arsenal's next five fixtures

Fulham (A) - October 18

Crystal Palace (H) - October 26

Burnley (A) - November 1

Sunderland (A) - November 8

Tottenham Hotspur (H) - November 23

Verdict: If you are to win the title, you need to be winning at least three but preferably four of these next five matches. Palace at home will be difficult particularly after their start to the season but at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta will be expecting success. Then, of course, at the end of that run of fixtures is the small matter of a north London Derby to contend with.

Liverpool's next five fixtures

Manchester United (H) - October 19

Brentford (A) - October 25

Aston Villa (H) - November 1

Manchester City (A) - November 9

Nottingham Forest (H) - November 22

Verdict: After three defeats on the trot, we are not sure that United are the perfect opponent straight after the international break. City away will also be tricky too but Liverpool will expect to right their title push in the other three fixtures.

Tottenham Hotspur's next five fixtures

Aston Villa (H) - October 19

Everton (A) - October 26

Chelsea (H) - November 1

Manchester United (H) - November 8

Arsenal (A) - November 23

Verdict: This is perhaps the trickiest run of fixtures for any Premier League team in the next five. If Thomas Frank's side are still in third, or better, after the north London Derby, they will be serious contenders in this race but that is a big if at this stage.

Manchester City's next five fixtures

Everton (H) - October 18

Aston Villa (A) - October 26

AFC Bournemouth (H) - November 2

Liverpool (H) - November 9

Newcastle United (A) - November 22

Verdict: The final three fixtures of this run for Pep Guardiola's side will be a true test. That double header of Bournemouth and Liverpool before the international break is tough but City will be thankful they are the home side for both fixtures.

Chelsea's next five fixtures

Nottingham Forest (A) - October 18

Sunderland (H) - October 25

Tottenham Hotspur (A) - November 1

Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) - November 8

Burnley (A) - November 22

Verdict: If Maresca is looking to build momentum after the Liverpool victory, this is the run of fixtures in which to do it. That clash with Spurs in the middle will be tough but there are three games there against teams just above the drop zone which are brilliant opportunities for Chelsea.

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