Arsenal 2018/19 fixtures released: Unai Emery's Round One test

The Premier League 2018/19 fixtures have now been released, with the most interesting match being our Round One clash with defending champions Manchester City. This will be Unai Emery’s first big challenge as Arsenal manager, and a result against his fellow countryman Pep Guardiola would really stake his claim in the toughest league in the world.

In May, Guardiola praised Arsenal’s appointment of Emery, citing his success in Spain and France.

“[Emery is a] top manager. His career speaks for itself,” Guardiola said.

“He did it perfectly in Spain with many teams: Valencia, Sevilla - and he did really well in France.

”So, welcome to England. Another good manager is coming here.”

Guardiola’s Man City side achieved a record 100 points last season to secure the title; so Emery will certainly have his work cut out for him in Round One, which will act as somewhat of a baptism of fire for the Spanish coach.

After we play Chelsea is Round Two, our run gets a bit easier and should, in theory, be smooth sailing until we meet Liverpool at the Emirates in November.

Here’s what the lads think about the fixtures: