There is no reward for being number one over the Christmas period, but the consensus is that when Santa Claus comes along, leading the Premier League will provide a huge advantage, keeping it there until the end of the season. Manchester City's dominance at home in recent years has often seen them end on a strong note, but that doesn't always mean they are in the lead at Christmas. In fact, in the last seven seasons of winning league titles, only two of them have reached the top of the table at Christmas. With Arsenal threatening another title and topping the table this Christmas, we take a look back at the last seven teams to achieve it, only to slip their lead and fail to claim the title in May.
Arsenal (2022-23).
The Gunners wow everyone with the second-youngest team in the league in 2022-23, dropping just four points before Christmas and beating Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Chelsea in the process. Unfortunately for Arsenal, Manchester City simply cannot be eliminated, a fluctuating game in February, where they lost twice and drew once, one of which was at the hands of Manchester City, and their defeat proved to be theirs. They held the lead until the final three games of the season, when City beat them again at the end of April and lifted the trophy on their way to the treble.
Liverpool (2020-21).
Jurgen Klopp's side finished at the top of the table by Christmas after just 14 games in 2020-21 and were pushed to the top of the table by Christmas, battling it out in front of every stadium. Manchester United were under the most pressure on them at the time, while eventual champions Manchester City were behind when Christmas arrived. However, Liverpool have struggled after the celebrations, going five games without a win in a row from the end of December to January, while their unbeaten home run was broken by Burnley. The Reds' defence crumbled and injuries raged, with Manchester City finishing in first place, 12 points ahead of their second-placed neighbours, while Liverpool recovered later and finished third.
Liverpool (2018-19).
Despite sitting at the top of the table over Christmas and looking almost flawless, Liverpool could not prevent Manchester City from finishing the season on a 14-game winning streak to eventually surpass the Reds' 97 points with 98 points. Winning the UEFA Champions League is a solid consolation.
Liverpool (2013-14).
Unfortunately, the Reds suffered another defeat in one of the Premier League's most historic moments. With his first Premier League title just weeks to go, captain Steven Gerrard made a mistake and Demba Ba scored as Chelsea won 2-0 at Anfield, crushing the Brendan Rodgers side's attack and opening the way for City to sneak in and lift their second Premier League title.
Liverpool (2008-09).
You won't be surprised to hear that Liverpool are the team that conceded the most Premier League titles when they were leading on Christmas. Rafa Benitez's side got off to a strong start to the 2008/09 season but struggled for the New Year, with a series of draws putting United on the bandwagon. Despite a 4-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, the Reds eventually lost to Sir Alex Ferguson's side on the penultimate weekend of the season.
Arsenal (2007-08).
Arsene Wenger's side have effectively moved away from the top two to finish third with 83 points, with Chelsea pushing United until the final day, but in the end it was the Red Devils who won the league.
Manchester United (2003-04).
Before a strong rise in the late 2000s, United were in some trouble in the mid-90s, with Chelsea and Arsenal both beating Ferguson. On Christmas 2003, the Red Devils were at the top of the table, losing just three games in the first half of the season, but in the new year, the Red Devils' performance has declined, losing four of their six games and drawing four. Chelsea overtook them to finish second, while Arsenal emerged as champions thanks to that invincible battle (yet to be repeated).