On Saturday, Arsenal face Manchester City in the Gunners' first big test of the season. Last season the Emirates was a fortress for Arsenal, they only lost once at home in the league last season, but how did the big teams fare?
Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs may not be title contenders or even top four challengers, but the North London derby is always a big fixture for Arsenal. Tottenham was the first big test that Arsenal faced last season and fan frustration was high. Deadline day was looming and Arsene Wenger was yet to make a major signing. The frustration was lifted a bit after a 1-0 win over Spurs, with Giroud scoring the only goal in the 23rd minute. The signing of Mesut Özil the next day ended the fan frustration. Arsenal also beat Spurs at home in the FA Cup 3rd round later that season, winning 2-0.
Chelsea: Chelsea are a tough team to face at home and away, something that Arsenal found out last year. Arsenal drew 0-0 at home to Chelsea, in what was a terrible match for the spectators, with very few chances for both sides. Prior to that match, Arsenal had already lost 2-0 to Chelsea in the League Cup at the Emirates, with goals from Azpulicueta and Juan Mata.
Manchester United: United may not be considered one of the big teams after last season, but both fixtures were still tough games for Arsenal. The fixture at the Emirates concluded in another quite boring 0-0 draw. A great save from Szczesny to a Robin van Persie header kept a point for the Gunners.
Liverpool: Arsenal went into the home match against Liverpool with high spirits, they were unbeaten in their previous eight league matches. The 2-0 win at home to Liverpool in the league last season was many Gooners' favourite Arsenal performances of last season. It was a great team performance and Carzola and Ramsey's goals topped off what was a great night. Arsenal beat Liverpool at home again later in the season, a 2-1 win in the FA Cup fifth round.
Everton: The Toffees are now establishing themselves as one of England's big clubs and they provided a tough test for Arsenal last campaign. A 1-1 draw in the league was nearly made 2-1 as Giroud's last strike hit the crossbar. The home match in the FA Cup quarter-finals was a different story with Arsenal winning 4-1 and securing a place at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Manchester City: Arsenal welcomed City to the Emirates only a week after a soul destroying 6-0 loss away to Chelsea. City scored the opener, with David Silva tapping home, but Flamini rescued a point for Arsenal and denied City going top of the league. Arsenal's last win at home to Manchester City was over two years ago with Arteta scoring the winner on a beautiful Easter weekend.