Arsenal are top of the Premier League table at Christmas again, but history shows it could be a curse

Everton handed Arsenal an early present to sit top of the tree on December 25, but Mikel Arteta will fear the Ghost of Christmas Past.

The Gunners reclaimed first position in the Premier League from Manchester City thanks to Viktor Gyökeres’ first-half penalty.

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The Swede scored his first goal since November 1 from the spot after Jake O’Brien had bizarrely handled from a Declan Rice corner.

Everton had a big penalty claim of their own controversially dismissed after the break, with Arsenal also hitting the post twice.

However, the visitors ultimately held on to secure all three points and move back above Manchester City at the top of the summit.

It’s a priceless result that will ensure Arsenal will be first on Christmas Day – historically a good omen for clubs hoping to win the title.

Liverpool duly delivered on their festive form last season by going on to lift the Premier League trophy ahead of the Gunners in second.

Now, it’s Arsenal’s turn to open their presents on Thursday in the coveted spot as talkSPORT looks at how the campaign may end.

Top on Christmas Day

Saturday’s result means Arsenal will be top of the Premier League on Christmas Day for the fifth time since 1992.

Yet infamously, the north Londoners have never gone on to lift the title at the end of the season after starting December 25 in first.

The Gunners were in this spot as recently as 2023, but for a fourth time, they were left out without the trophy come May.

Even more ominously, City won the Premier League title after reaching the big day in fifth, with Pep Guardiola’s side now in second.

Overall, over half of the sides that have topped the table at Christmas have become champions – 17 out of a possible 32.

Of those, Chelsea, Man City and Blackburn have won the title every time they have been top on December 25.

Manchester United and Liverpool are the only teams to have both won and lost the title after being top of the table on Christmas.

Arsenal remain the only club to have never finished with the trophy after starting on December 25 in first place more than twice.

Aston Villa proved the worst ever Christmas leaders after their only experience at the top in 1998/99, going on to finish sixth.

Premier League festive fixture schedule

Sunday, December 21

• Aston Villa vs Manchester United – 4:30pm – Sky Sports

Monday, December 22

• Fulham vs Nottingham Forest – 8pm – live on talkSPORT – Sky Sports

Friday, December 26 – Boxing Day

• Manchester United vs Newcastle – 8pm – live on talkSPORT – Sky Sports

Saturday, December 27

• Nottingham Forest vs Man City – 12:30pm – live on talkSPORT – TNT Sports
• Arsenal vs Brighton – 3pm
• Brentford vs Bournemouth – 3pm
• Burnley vs Everton – 3pm
• Liverpool vs Wolves – 3pm
• West Ham vs Fulham – 3pm
• Chelsea vs Aston Villa – 5:30pm – Sky Sports

Sunday, December 28

• Sunderland vs Leeds – 2pm – Sky Sports
• Crystal Palace vs Tottenham – 4:30pm – Sky Sports