Arsenal and Manchester City both picked up important victories this weekend as the Premier League title race heats up. Pep Guardiola's won 2-1 against Newcastle United on Saturday evening with the Gunners responding emphatically as they beat Tottenham 4-1 in the North London Derby.

A Nico O'Reilly brace sealed a triumph for City at Etihad Stadium with Gianluigi Donnarumma pulling off an excellent save in added time to keep his side in front. Less than 24 hours later, it was doubles from Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres that handed Arsenal a crucial three points at the expense of their bitter rivals.

City had closed the gap down to two points with their third straight league win, but Arsenal restored their advantage at the summit in style. 11 games remain of this season with some challenging outings on the horizon for both before they meet in mid-April.

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With all of that being said, Mirror Sport has compared the upcoming fixtures for both sides as the title race heats up.

Arsenal's next five Premier League fixtures.

Chelsea (H) - March 1.

Brighton (A) - March 4.

Everton (H) - March 15 Bournemouth (H) - April 11.

Man City (A) - April 18.

Verdict: The upcoming five matches could prove pivotal in Arsenal's title challenge, with several testing fixtures looming large on the calendar, not least a journey to Manchester City.

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That potentially championship-defining showdown at the Etihad Stadium remains roughly two months away, however, with Chelsea visiting Emirates Stadium first. The Gunners then make the trip to Brighton before hosting Everton for their final fixture ahead of the international break.

Following the extended domestic pause, a home encounter awaits with Bournemouth arriving into the capital before Man City welcome Arsenal in mid-April.

Manchester City's next five Premier League fixtures

Leeds United (A) - February 28.

Nottingham Forest (H) - March 4.

West Ham (A) - March 14.

Chelsea (A) - April 11.

Arsenal (H) - April 18.

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Verdict: The coming weeks present no easy run for Man City either, with three demanding away fixtures on their agenda. The opening test comes at Elland Road, where Leeds United have suffered just three defeats this campaign.

City then welcome relegation-battling Nottingham Forest before embarking on another away trip to tackle a rejuvenated West Ham United, who are similarly scrapping for vital points to stave off the drop.

Pep Guardiola's side then take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge before hosting Arsenal at their home ground, where the result could determine who claims silverware in May.