Premier League Title Race Heats Up as January 1st Approaches

Arsenal leads the Premier League as the New Year approaches, with hopes that 2026 will end their title drought.

The North London club last won the league 22 years ago and, after finishing as runners-up three times in a row, are well-positioned to break this streak.

Our patch. pic.twitter.com/PTMXEF40XP

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 31, 2025

Currently, Arsenal holds a four-point lead after the New Year’s Day matches. How does this compare to previous Premier League leads at this time of year?

Biggest Premier League Title Leads at New Year

Chelsea – 2005/06 (11 points)

Chelsea’s first Premier League title was historic, with Jose Mourinho’s team allowing only 15 goals during the season. Their second title was also noteworthy, marked by 20 wins in their first 22 matches. By New Year, they had an 11-point lead and finished the season nine points ahead of Manchester United.

Chelsea also made history by defeating every opponent in a single Premier League season.

Liverpool – 2019/20 (13 points)

After narrowly losing the title the season before, Liverpool entered 2019/20 determined to win. They achieved a remarkable 79 points from the first 81 and held a massive 13-point lead on January 1. By the end of the season, they were 18 points ahead of Manchester City.

Manchester United – 1993/94 (14 points)

Following their title win in 1992/93, Manchester United, managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, set out to defend their title successfully. They lost just one of their first 29 matches and held a 14-point lead at New Year, equaling the biggest lead in Premier League history at this stage.

Manchester City – 2017/18 (14 points)

Manchester City demonstrated dominance in 2017/18, with Pep Guardiola winning his first Premier League title in record-breaking style. They achieved a points record of 100, becoming the first team to reach that milestone in a top-flight season. After taking the lead in September, City maintained their position and set a standard recognized as one of the Premier League’s greatest.