Mikel Arteta’s side came from behind to finish the league phase of this year’s Champions League with a win over already knocked-out Girona.
It confirmed Arsenal’s spot among the top eight teams in the competition while ensuring Arteta and co. avoid joining the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester City in the dreaded play-off round.
But when their Champions League campaign resumes in the spring, Arteta will have to find a way to juggle what looks like a tricky run of fixtures.
That’s because Arsenal are scheduled to play Manchester United and Chelsea in between the two legs of their last-16 tie.
While the draw hasn’t yet been completed, Arsenal do know they’ll face one of AC Milan, PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord or Juventus in the knockouts.
The Premier League side will no doubt enter the tie as favourites, but it promises to be a tough test for the north Londoners, whoever emerges from the draw.
Arsenal will play the first leg of their last-16 tie in either the Netherlands or Italy the mid-week before travelling to Old Trafford for the United fixture, before welcoming their Champions League opponents back to the Emirates for the return leg the following Tuesday or Wednesday.
It will be a quick turnaround from the second leg, given Chelsea are due to make the short trip across the capital for their Premier League meeting the weekend after.
And even if Arteta’s side escape unharmed, should they progress into the quarter-finals and then to the semi-final stage, they’ll be met with a similar conundrum.
What could prove a season-defining week will start with a home match against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, before a potential last-four clash home or away to their Champions League rivals.
Bournemouth at home follows in the Premier League, with the second leg of the semi-finals scheduled just in front of Arsenal’s league meeting with Liverpool.
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