From Norwich City through to Newcastle United , history shows there are no presents for being top of the tree at Christmas. Not the Premier League tree anyway, with the majority of sides still having 21 games to go this season by the time the stockings go out for Santa. Just ask Arsenal , who last season congregated on Boxing Day morning full of festive hope, leading the way in the title race and strongly positioned to conquer the top flight for the first time since children could track Rudolph on the internet.
By New Year’s Day however, Mikel Arteta ’s side had been beaten by West Ham and Fulham , as festive cheer disintegrated into early January blues. This year, it is Arne Slot ’s Liverpool who lead the way in what is our 32nd Premier League campaign. The Dutchman is too hard nosed and pragmatic to scroll through examples of yesteryear, but if he was to look at the 31 sides who preceded the Reds in this position, he’d see a mixture of outcomes.
Express Sport takes you through the fate of all those who were able to enjoy their mistletoe and wine at the summit of English football...
. 1992/93: Norwich City (eventually finished 2nd) Mike Walker orchestrating potential glory. Efan Ekoku tearing it up.
That hideous green and gold design on the kit. You remember the era of the Canaries being on course for Premier League euphoria, right? Ok, me neither really. In fact, their early season title burst had already begun to fizzle out by the big day with pre-Christmas defeats .
