Arsenal have been top at Christmas in four different Premier League seasons, this season marks there fifth time leading the division on December 25th. They have never been able to win the league when being top at Christmas.
It was in the 2002/03 season that saw Arsenal suffer at Christmas the first time. Arsenal had a good campaign that season, beating Middlesbrough in the final league game before Christmas Day. They stood two points ahead of Chelsea and four points ahead of eventual winners Manchester United.
United caught up later in the season and there was a period of games where the Gunners were ahead on goal difference. It was until Matchday 36 that Arsenal were ahead. A 2-2 draw against Bolton meant that with Manchester United's win over North London rivals Tottenham, the Gunners dropped into second place. Followed by a loss against Leeds united, Wenger's Arsenal finished five points adrift of the title after leading for so long.
The next time Arsenal found themselves top at Christmas was in 2007. The Curse hit faster this time around. The Gunners went top after beating Tottenham on the 22nd. Manchester United were only one point behind and then surpassed Arsenal on Boxing Day. The Red side of North London had dropped points in a 0-0 against Portsmouth. Meanwhile Manchester United thrashed Sunderland 4-0 to go top.
Manchester United would go onto win the League that season. Arsenal would finish third behind Chelsea, four points off Manchester United.
It was a long time before Arsenal went top at Christmas again. Arteta's men surpassed Manchester City just before Christmas with a 2-0 win against Wolves during the 2022/23. Pep Guardiola's City lost 2-1 to Brentford. After a run of poor form dropping points to the likes of Southampton and West Ham, City over took the Gunners on Matchday 33, they were unable to regain the lead and lost the title a third time after being top at Christmas.
Finally in the 2023/24 Premier League season, a draw against Liverpool meant that they would be top of the league going into Christmas. Again another run of poor form, including a loss to Fulham, would see Arsenal fall off at the top, finishing two points behind Manchester City.
Arsenal find themselves top one more after a win against Everton. History is certainly not on the side of Arsenal and with only two points separating them and Manchester city, as well as Aston Villa closely behind, it will take a lot from Arteta's side to finally beat this Christmas curse. Will Arsenal be able to do it and finally be crowned Premier League Champions?
