Arsenal have clinched the coveted Christmas No. 1 spot in the Premier League for the 2025-2026 season. A gritty 1-0 victory over Everton secured their position at the summit. However, the festive cheer in North London is tinged with a familiar sense of anxiety. Hot on their heels are the reigning champions, Manchester City, creating a situation that feels all too familiar for the Gunners and their global fanbase. With only a two-point gap, the pressure is already immense.

Securing the Top Spot: A Gritty Win at Everton

Topping the table required resilience, and Arsenal showed just that in their hard-fought win against Everton. The decisive moment came from an emphatic first-half penalty, coolly converted after a clear handball in the box. The single goal was enough to seal three crucial points.

Mikel Arteta’s side demonstrated efficiency and control, especially in midfield, to see out the game. While not their most dazzling performance, it was a test of character. Consequently, this result was exactly what they needed to ensure they would look down on the rest of the league during the Christmas festivities. This victory marks the fifth time the Gunners have been top of the Premier League at Christmas.

Déjà Vu: Manchester City’s Relentless Chase

The joy of being top is tempered by the relentless pursuit of their closest rivals. Manchester City extended their winning streak to five matches with a convincing 3-0 victory over West Ham United. This leaves them just two points behind Arsenal, with 37 points to the Gunners’ 39 after 17 games.

This scenario evokes a strong sense of déjà vu. Under Arteta, whose approach you can read more about on the Mikel Arteta’s Official Club Profile, Arsenal has been in this exact position twice before. On both occasions, they were eventually overtaken by a powerful Manchester City side. Therefore, the current league table presents a nerve-wracking parallel to past seasons.

History’s Shadow: Can Arsenal Break the Christmas Curse?

History casts a long and daunting shadow over the Emirates Stadium. While being Christmas No. 1 is a significant achievement, it has not been a predictor of success for Arsenal. In fact, in the four previous times they have led the Premier League on Christmas Day, they have never gone on to lift the trophy.

This historical hurdle presents a major psychological challenge for the team. Overcoming this “Christmas curse” is the next great test for this squad. The key questions are:

• Have they learned from the disappointments of previous seasons?
• Does this team possess the depth and mental fortitude to hold off City’s charge?
• Can key players, like goalscorer Viktor Gyökeres, maintain their form?

A Title Race For The Ages?

In conclusion, Arsenal has earned its place at the top of the Premier League table for Christmas. Their victory over Everton was a display of the determination required of champions. Nevertheless, the threat from Manchester City is undeniable and grows with each victory. The two-point gap is precarious, and the memory of past title race collapses looms large. As the second half of the season approaches, fans across the US, UK, Africa, and the world will be watching to see if Arsenal can finally convert their festive form into ultimate glory.