As Christmas approaches, the Premier League title race reaches a critical juncture, and once again, Arsenal find themselves at the top of the table, having secured a 1-1 draw at Liverpool on the weekend. Traditionally, much is made of the team sitting at the summit on Christmas Day, with many assuming they are well on their way to securing the championship. However, history has shown that Christmas leaders don’t always finish the season as champions. Over the years, several teams have topped the league at Christmas only to fall short by the time the final whistle blows in May.

Here’s a look back at those Christmas Day table-toppers who didn’t win the Premier League title.

1. 1992/93 – Norwich City (Top at Christmas), Manchester United (Champions)

The inaugural Premier League season saw Norwich City defy expectations and sit eight points clear at the top of the table heading into Christmas. Despite a strong start, including a memorable 4-2 win over Arsenal on opening day, their form faltered in the new year. Norwich’s inconsistency allowed Manchester United to catch up, and Alex Ferguson’s side eventually clinched the title, ending a 26-year wait for the club’s first league title in the Premier League era.

2. 1995/96 – Newcastle United (Top at Christmas), Manchester United (Champions)

Newcastle United, under Kevin Keegan, seemed poised to secure their first top-flight title in over 60 years, leading the league by 10 points at Christmas. Their attacking style had them flying high, but as the season progressed, a series of costly defeats, including a famous 4-3 loss at Liverpool, allowed Manchester United to close the gap. United, fueled by the return of Eric Cantona, completed an incredible comeback to finish as champions, with Keegan’s famous “I would love it” rant cementing this as one of the most dramatic title races in Premier League history.

3. 1996/97 – Liverpool (Top at Christmas), Manchester United (Champions)

Liverpool led the league at Christmas for the first time in their history in the 1996/97 season, with a strong start under Roy Evans and the brilliance of Robbie Fowler. However, defensive frailties and inconsistent form over the second half of the season saw them finish third, seven points behind eventual champions Manchester United, who had recovered from a mid-season slump to secure the title.

4. 1997/98 – Manchester United (Top at Christmas), Arsenal (Champions)

In 1997/98, it was Manchester United who led the Premier League at Christmas, but Arsenal, under Arsène Wenger, proved to be the stronger team in the new year. Despite United’s early dominance, Arsenal won 10 consecutive matches to close out the season, securing their first league title under Wenger. This marked the beginning of a new era for Arsenal, who also completed a domestic double by winning the FA Cup.

5. 1998/99 – Aston Villa (Top at Christmas), Manchester United (Champions)

Aston Villa were the surprise Christmas leaders in 1998/99, defying expectations after selling Dwight Yorke to Manchester United in the summer. Villa remained unbeaten until late November but struggled in the new year. Manchester United, led by Yorke’s 29 goals, stormed to the title and secured a historic treble, which included winning the Champions League.

6. 1999/00 – Leeds United (Top at Christmas), Manchester United (Champions)

An exciting Leeds United side managed by David O’Leary led the Premier League at Christmas in the 1999/2000 season, putting together an impressive run of 12 wins from 14 matches. However, their form collapsed in the new year, allowing Manchester United to cruise to their second consecutive title. Leeds finished third, 22 points behind Manchester United, and their title challenge became a distant memory.

7. 2001/02 – Newcastle United (Top at Christmas), Arsenal (Champions)

Newcastle United had another crack at the title in 2001/02, leading the Premier League at Christmas. Yet again, their challenge faded after the turn of the year, with losses to key rivals like Arsenal and Manchester United. Arsenal, who were engaged in a four-horse race for the title, finished strong, winning their final 13 games to take the title, completing another double under Wenger.

8. 2002/03 – Arsenal (Top at Christmas), Manchester United (Champions)

In 2002/03, Arsenal sat top at Christmas after a solid first half of the season. However, Manchester United mounted a second-half resurgence, with a remarkable run of victories led by Ruud van Nistelrooy, which saw them overtake the Gunners. Arsenal finished second, with United claiming the title by just five points.

9. 2003/04 – Manchester United (Top at Christmas), Arsenal (Champions)

This season is best remembered for Arsenal’s unbeaten campaign, which saw them lift the title without losing a single match. However, it was Manchester United who led the league at Christmas, only for Arsenal to overhaul them in the new year, finishing 15 points ahead of their rivals, who finished third.

10. 2007/08 – Arsenal (Top at Christmas), Manchester United (Champions)

In the 2007/08 season, Arsenal topped the Premier League at Christmas and looked set to claim the title after going unbeaten in their first 30 games. However, a serious injury to striker Eduardo and a subsequent loss of form saw their challenge unravel. Manchester United, propelled by the goals of Cristiano Ronaldo, secured the title by just two points, with Arsenal finishing third, this started a period of dominance for Manchester United.

11. 2008/09 – Liverpool (Top at Christmas), Manchester United (Champions)

Rafael Benítez’s Liverpool led the Premier League at Christmas in 2008/09, but their form began to wane after the festive period. A series of frustrating draws saw them finish the season in second place, four points behind champions Manchester United, who clinched their third consecutive title.

12. 2013/14 – Liverpool (Top at Christmas), Manchester City (Champions)

In 2013/14, Liverpool seemed to be on course for their first title in 24 years, holding a 10-point lead at Christmas. However, key slip-ups, including Steven Gerrard’s infamous error against Chelsea, and a dramatic collapse at Crystal Palace allowed Manchester City to overtake them in the final weeks of the season, securing the title by just two points.

13. 2018/19 – Liverpool (Top at Christmas), Manchester City (Champions)

Another dramatic finish unfolded in the 2018/19 season, with Liverpool once again leading the table at Christmas. Despite an outstanding season, Jurgen Klopp’s side could not hold off Manchester City, who finished with a remarkable 98 points to Liverpool’s 97, clinching the title by a single point.

14. 2020/21 – Liverpool (Top at Christmas), Manchester City (Champions)

Liverpool were top at Christmas in 2020/21, but their form collapsed in the new year. Manchester City, who were down in eighth at Christmas, surged to the title, winning 21 consecutive games and finishing 12 points clear of second-placed Manchester United.

15. 2022/23 – Arsenal (Top at Christmas), Manchester City (Champions)

In 2022/23, Arsenal led the Premier League at Christmas after an impressive first half of the season. However, Manchester City’s relentless form in the second half of the campaign saw them overtake Arsenal, who finished second. Arsenal’s 248 days at the top without winning the title set an unwanted Premier League record.

16. 2022/23 – Arsenal (Top at Christmas), Manchester City (Champions)

History repeated itself last season as Manchester City again reigned in Arsenal after they were top at Christmas. Guardiola’s team came out on top even though Arsenal shone throughout the first half of the season. Arsenal chased City right until the end, finishing just two points behind.

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The Christmas Day leader is not always crowned champion, and the history of the Premier League is full of instances where teams have failed to convert their festive lead into a title. Arsenal, currently at the top, will hope they don’t join this long list of sides who came close but couldn’t finish the job. Time will tell whether the Gunners can finally end their two-decade wait for a Premier League trophy, or if, once again, a new challenger will emerge in the new year.