"It had seemed like Arsenal were starting to wobble. After starting December with defeat by Aston Villa, they were far from convincing as they beat Wolves, Everton and Brighton by narrow margins. But the Gunners ground out vital results and they answered any lingering doubts over their title credentials with an emphatic 4-1 home victory over Villa on Tuesday. It not only kept Unai Emery's in-form side at bay in third place, it served as a powerful statement to any team hoping to derail their trophy ambitions. Arsenal head into 2026, and the second half of the campaign, at the top of the league - five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, with Villa a further point behind."
"Arsenal have been here before. They entered 2023 in top spot, five points above Manchester City. But the tables turned and Pep Guardiola's side were the ones holding the trophy at the end of the season after finishing five points clear of the Gunners. It was a similar story in the 2002-03 season, when they finished five points behind Manchester United having been top at the end of December. In fact, of the previous six occasions Arsenal have ended the calendar year in first place, they have only gone on to win the Premier League once - back in 2001-02."
Arsenal recovered from a nervous December run of narrow wins to deliver a decisive 4-1 home victory over Aston Villa, consolidating top spot. The win left Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City, with Villa another point behind, and showcased collective contribution across manager, players and staff. Former players described the display as a powerful statement demonstrating depth and quality. Historical patterns show Arsenal have often led at year-end only to lose ground later, having won the league at year-end just once in six previous instances and last been champions in 2004.
Read at www.bbc.com
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