Predicting Arsenal’s next five results: Three wins; FA Cup progress

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Fans of rival clubs would surely be forgiven for taking plenty of interest in seeing how Arsenal fare against Bournemouth on Boxing Day following the appointment of Mikel Arteta.

Arteta’s return to the Emirates was confirmed last week. It is a major statement that the Gunners feel that the Spaniard is the right man to get the club back on track given he is yet to take charge of his own side.

But few will have had a better start to their education than Arteta. So it will be fascinating to see how Arsenal get on during his tenure.

With that in mind, here is TBR’s predictions for how the Gunners will get on in their first five games under their new boss…

Bournemouth 0-1 Arsenal

Bournemouth are on a fairly dismal run right now so it could be a fantastic opportunity to get off to a winning start. No-one will be panicking if the result does not go Arsenal’s way – the problems are not going to be fixed overnight. But an unspectacular win may be the perfect way for Arteta to begin.

Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea

Chelsea have won two of their last six Premier League games, so it is difficult to tell how the Blues will get on on their trip to the Emirates. This game may act as a reminder of how much work Arteta has to do, but Arsenal have the quality to get something from the clash.

Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United

Manchester United have not won either of their last two league games. And Arteta can target this game as an opportunity to make a real statement. Once again, it is going to be some time before all of the Gunners’ problems are addressed. But this may provide an early sign that Arteta is on the right track.

Arsenal 2-0 Leeds

The FA Cup looks to be a brilliant opportunity for Arteta to secure a trophy in his first few months at the helm. It is also going to be a great chance for some of Arsenal’s best youngsters to prove themselves further. Leeds’s main focus will be on the league, and the Gunners could get through in fairly comfortable fashion.

Crystal Palace 1-0 Arsenal

Arsenal have put together one lengthy unbeaten run this season. But Arteta will be aware that it would be a superb achievement to stave off his first defeat for a long time. Palace’s home games do not see many goals, and they are capable of frustrating most teams in the league at Selhurst Park.

But one defeat in his opening five games in charge will not take away from a very positive start for Arteta.