In Summary:
- Arsenal kicks off the 2025/26 Premier League season with a challenging away trip to Manchester United on August 17.
- Their first six games include away matches against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Newcastle, plus a home tie with Manchester City.
- Key dates include North London Derbies against Tottenham in November and February and the Champions League draw on August 28.
Arsenal’s 2025/26 Premier League schedule has been revealed, and it promises a very tough start for Mikel Arteta’s team. They begin on August 17 with a difficult away game at Manchester United, followed by challenging matches against champions Liverpool and strong rivals like Manchester City and Newcastle in their first six games. This intense opening period will test Arsenal’s readiness as they also prepare for their Champions League campaign, with the draw for European opponents happening on August 28.
READ MORE: Liverpool’s 2025/26 Premier League Schedule Revealed!
A Brutal Opening Gauntlet
Arsenal’s initial fixtures present one of the toughest starts in the Premier League, according to analysis of last season’s finishing positions.
After their highly anticipated opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 17, they return home to face newly promoted Leeds United on August 23.
The early tests continue relentlessly, as Arsenal travels to Anfield on August 30 to take on reigning champions Liverpool.
September offers little respite, with a home clash against Manchester City on September 20 followed by an away trip to Newcastle on September 27.
This demanding sequence of matches against top-tier opposition will be a crucial early indicator of Arsenal’s title aspirations and their squad’s resilience.
Key Derby Dates and Festive Period Challenges
Beyond the intense opening month, Arsenal’s schedule features several high-stakes matches that fans will eagerly anticipate.
The first North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur is scheduled for November 22 at the Emirates Stadium, with the return fixture at Tottenham’s home ground on February 21, 2026.
These derbies are always fierce contests, carrying significant bragging rights and league points.
The festive period also holds its challenges, even with the Premier League’s altered Christmas schedule.
Arsenal will host Brighton on December 27 and Aston Villa on December 30, navigating a busy period that, while avoiding a traditional Boxing Day game, still requires significant squad depth and rotation.
Other crucial fixtures include the home match against Liverpool on January 7, 2026, and the away trip to Manchester City on April 18, 2026, which could be pivotal in the latter stages of the title race.
Arsenal concludes their Premier League season away at Crystal Palace on May 24, 2026.
READ MORE: Premier League 2025/26: Fixtures Revealed, No Boxing Day Games!
European Ambitions and Season Outlook
In addition to their demanding Premier League fixtures, Arsenal will also be competing in the Champions League.
The draw for the Champions League league phase is set for August 28, 2025, where they will learn their European opponents.
Balancing domestic league ambitions with European commitments will be a key challenge for Mikel Arteta and his team throughout the season.
The comprehensive fixture list underscores the competitive nature of the Premier League and the high expectations placed on Arsenal after strong performances in recent seasons.
The early tests against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City will immediately gauge their readiness.
Fans are undoubtedly looking forward to seeing how the Gunners navigate this challenging schedule in pursuit of silverware.
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