MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - MARCH 09: UEFA Champions League Trophy is displayed during the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour presented by Heineken on March 09, 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Arsenal confront gruelling fixture list following Champions League announcement

Sep 4, 2023

Arsenal are set to endure an arduous run of fixtures this autumn, with October shaping up to be particularly unforgiving.

With Champions League dates officially unveiled, supporters can’t help but note, with a familiar sense of resignation: Arsenal’s European commitments once again herald a punishing schedule.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal face a brutal October that includes away matches against Lens and Sevilla.
International duty adds to the injury concerns for the squad.
Edu, Arsenal’s Sporting Director, sees the challenging fixture list as a ‘big bonus from last season.’

Leandro Trossard with the new Champions League ball (Photo via Arsenal)

The long road ahead

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners find themselves back in the Champions League following a commendable, and somewhat unexpected, second-place finish in the Premier League last season.

While Arteta and his men may relish the stern tests that Europe’s top club competition presents, one can’t ignore the inevitable fatigue and tactical challenges that come with it.

Clash of titans and travel woes

Arsenal's Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes (R) vies with Manchester City's Spanish midfielder Rodri (C) during the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) — Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes (R) vies with Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri (C) during the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal open October with a journey to France to face Lens on the 3rd, just three days after a trip to Bournemouth in the Premier League on 30th September.

This is quickly followed by hosting Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, on the 8th.

Fans might recall a 3-1 drubbing in the corresponding fixture last season.

So, déjà vu, anyone?

International interlude

After the City match, Arsenal’s players will be scattered around the globe on international duty, adding an extra layer of complexity to their already injury-prone list.

A London outing and Spanish siesta

Arsenal's French defender William Saliba (L) celebrates with Arsenal's English midfielder Bukayo Saka (R) after the final whistle of the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on November 6, 2022.(Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) — Arsenal’s French defender William Saliba (L) celebrates with Arsenal’s English midfielder Bukayo Saka (R) after the final whistle of the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on November 6, 2022.(Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

The team then travels to Stamford Bridge to battle it out with Chelsea on October 21st.

A mere 72 hours later, it’s a flight to Spain for a date with Sevilla, because who needs rest anyway?

Rounding off with the Blades

Closing the month, the Gunners face Sheffield United on the 28th, a team that could very well be scrambling for points at the bottom of the league table.

Edu’s take

Arsenal Sporting Director Edu is excited by it all. “It’s a big bonus from last season,” he mentioned, adding a touch of restrained enthusiasm.

“Let’s enjoy it again,” he optimistically concluded.