Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal could go back to the top of tree on Christmas Day with a triumph over Chelsea tonight (Chelsea could also go top with a victory by an unprecedented 10-goal margin) but does history show they will then go on and win the Premier League title?
The last four teams to lead the division on 25 December have gone on to lift the trophy at the end of the season.
In fact, the last side to be top of the table on Christmas Day and not win the league was Liverpool, the current leaders, in 2008/09. Back on Christmas Day 2008, Rafael Benitez’s side had a one point lead over Chelsea. They went on to finish that season in second place, four points behind Manchester United.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are hoping to be the Christmas No 1 for the first time since 2007/08, when they led Manchester United by a point. The club then slipped up early in the year, going four matches without a league win between February and March, and ended up in third place.
In each of the three seasons Arsenal have won the league (1998, 2002 and 2004), they have never been top of the charts at Christmas. In 1997/98, in Arsene Wenger's first full season in charge, the Gunners were in sixth place on Christmas Day 1997, 13 points off the lead, but went on to secure the division by a point.
Season Leading team on Xmas Day League winner
2012/13 Man United Man United
2011/12 Man City Man City
2010/11 Man United Man United
2009/10 Chelsea Chelsea
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments