Arsenal fixtures show where dominant periods could be

[Getty Images] Now Arsenal's fixtures are out, Mikel Arteta can start to plot how he intends to begin the defence of their Premier League title. The champions kick-off the season at home to newly promoted Coventry City on the first Friday night match of the season. And it will be the first time that the Emirates Stadium will be able to welcome the squad who ended their 22-year wait for a league title. The period which has caught the eye for the Gunners is the festive fixtures, which can be a gruelling time of year. Arsenal have eight games in a row from December to January 16th, at which point they are scheduled to play Hull City , where they won't leave London. By the time the Gunners get to the end-of-season run-in they will be hoping to be in a commanding position in the league. They will start the month of May against rivals Tottenham Hotspur , before taking on Nottingham Forest , Everton and Brighton , which are matches Arsenal will be favourites in and could be the games that decide whether they are able to defend their Premier League crown.