EASY MATCHES….; Arsenal next five fixtures compared with Man City and Liverpool after Premier League drama at the Etihad

When is something entirely the same but so, so different? Because Arsenal’s second-half task against Manchester City was equal to their defensive rebellion when the two teams met for a title showdown in March but with much more on the line and much more to lose.

This time, hanging on to three points rather than just one – and with a mental barrier to overcome which had been worked on for years until Mikel Arteta arrived – it somehow felt even bigger than being six weeks away from a title.

Not just setting up to draw the life out of a match and play for a 0-0 draw with the hope of stealing points on the break or via a set-piece – much like the North London derby plans – but with a determined freedom to actually win the thing.

From the moment Kai Havertz and Rodri collided off the ball in the opening seconds, the two teams behind them followed suit. Trading blow for blow, battle for battle, this was pure Barclays heritage.

Riccardo Calafiori’s comic book strip equaliser, Gabriel Magalhaes’ dominating header, David Raya getting cramp and Myles Lewis-Skelly being booked before even making his debut. Leandro Trossard losing his head, leaving Ruben Dias with space to shoot on the edge of the box, and Arteta kicking every single ball away on the side-line. It does not get better and it cannot mean more.

Drama interspersed with VAR, goals interspersed with VAR, controversial refereeing, interspersed by VAR – of course – and the chaotic mixture of amateurish decision-making plus pure tension. This was unleashed brilliance in a game that meant everything.

Here’s what is next to come for Arsenal after they went all the way with City on their own patch.

Leicester City (H) – Saturday, September 28

After Carabao Cup commitments against Bolton Wanderers in midweek, Arsenal start a slightly more low-key run of domestic games. Hosting Steve Cooper’s Leicester City, who are winless in the Premier League, so far, they will be strong favourites.

Arsenal have an impressive record against newly promoted teams in recent years and will be in no mood to offer up any points to their visitors. Arteta will also need to balance his squad, as PSG visit north London just days later.

Southampton (H) – Saturday, October 5

Following on from the PSG meeting it is another of last year’s Championship promotion winners. Russell Martin’s Southampton have stuck devoutly to their principles of playing out from the back and through the thirds but not to any real success so far.

Saints are another winless team and have offered up countless chances to their opponents so far due to errors in the build-up phase of their play. Arteta will be hopeful of taking advantage of this with their high press.

Bournemouth (A) – Saturday, October 19

The second international break of the season splits up Arsenal’s clashes with south coast sides. Andoni Iraola’s men have been a surprise, underperforming so far after losing Dominic Solanke to Tottenham over the summer.

Arsenal won this fixture comfortably lasts season, though, and know they must get three points again if they are to keep up the title challenge. A Champions League group stage match at home to Shakhtar Donetsk follows.

Liverpool (H) – Sunday, October 27

Just one month after taking on City, Arsenal host their great rivals and fellow challengers, Liverpool. Despite being defeated in a surprise result last weekend against Nottingham Forest, Arne Slot has picked up where Jurgen Klopp left off at Anfield and looks set to have Liverpool in the mix again.

Arsenal fared well against their nearest opponents last season and may well have to do the same again if they are to become champions. Liverpool’s visit will be an acid test of their credentials.

Newcastle (A) – Saturday, November 2

A significantly tougher little run of games continues with a journey to the northeast. Arsenal lost this match last season in controversial fashion and have found things tough against Eddie Howe’s men previously.

The Magpies haven’t been able to match their points tally with performances to go alongside them thus far though and were well beaten 3-1 by Hale End graduates Alex Iwobi, Emile Smith Rowe, and Reiss Nelson on Saturday.

Manchester City next five Premier League fixtures

Newcastle (A) – Saturday, September 28.

Fulham (H) – Saturday, October 5.

Wolves (A) – Sunday, October 20.

Southampton (H) – Saturday, October 26.

Bournemouth (A) – Saturday, November 2.

Liverpool next five Premier League fixtures

Wolves (A) – Saturday, September 28.

Crystal Palace (A) – Saturday, October 5.

Chelsea (H) – Sunday, October 20.

Arsenal (A) – Sunday, October 27.

Brighton (H) – Saturday, November 2.