Mikel Arteta has challenged his Arsenal team to break their New Year’s Day hoodoo and win a first Premier League title in 22 years.
The Gunners have failed to win the title in the previous five times they have finished a calendar year top of the table.
That includes in 2003, 2008, 2014, 2016 and 2023. They did win the premiership in 2004, though their 2022-23 campaign saw the north London club leading the way for 248 days before Manchester City overtook them with six games to go.
Yet, entering 2026, Arsenal are now four points clear after Man City drew with Sunderland on Thursday.