The True Test of Emery's Arsenal Awaits After Break

Unai Emery has been bringing back some of that old magic at the Emirates but Arsenal are yet to pass their greatest test

After a disastrous 2017/18 season where Arsenal made their worst ever finish under Arsene Wenger, expectations weren't all that high for the Gunners as they were expected to struggle under a new manager who would be tested against rivals with a wealth of experience with at least three or more seasons with their respective teams.

At the start of the season it looked to be the case as Arsenal lost their opening two fixtures of the season. 

However, since then, under Unai Emery, the Gunners went on an unprecedented winning run.

Arsenal won 11 successive matches in all competitions and despite that winning run ending at Crystal Palace, Arsenal are undefeated in 16 matches in all competitions.

However, Emery's men have won just one of their last four matches and given they've drawn three successive games against Wolves, Sporting and Liverpool Arsenal need to step their game up when the league resumes after the international break.

Arsenal are only three points off North London rivals Tottenham, who face Chelsea when the league resumes the following week, and take on Bournemouth with a chance to close the gap on their local rivals.

What follows, will be two season defining matches when they take on Tottenham and Manchester United in back-to-back matches.

Arsenal have been poor against the teams around them in past seasons which has subsequently meant the difference between winning the league and playing in the Champions League. With their fall from grace over the last two seasons, there is no doubt as to what will be Arsenal's biggest stumbling block to once again sit at the table among Europe's elite.

Arsenal's record against the top six sides has been torrid and going back to their performances over the last two seasons up until now, the Gunners have won only 3 matches out of 23 against the league's big hitters.

One positive heading into their matches against Spurs and United though is that they're not exactly facing the cream of the crop when it comes to the teams in the big six.

Spurs despite making a strong start to the season, haven't been without their flaws as they've been digging out results often edging matches with one goal margin victories.

Manchester United on the other hand, are still yet to find their best form and currently sit eighth after their defeat to champions Manchester City last Sunday.

Picking up points or winning both matches will go a long way in Arsenal regaining a place in the top four again, but in the case of both matches they could also prove to be the day where Arsenal are finally found out.