Arne Slot’s champions trail Arsenal by 14 points ahead of their visit to the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night

Thiago profiles as a physical penalty-box striker, having taken just two shots from outside the area all season. His first against Everton exhibited his poaching instinct, making a clever, sharp blindside run behind Michael Keane, volleying Vitaly Janelt’s cross from close range.

Declan Rice proved why he’s a leading candidate to be the Premier League’s player of the season by inspiring Arsenal to a come-from behind victory at Bournemouth that opened up a six-point lead.

But that wasn't all that Arsenal would need to dig out the win. Declan Rice's return from a knee injury went a long way as the English midfielder produced a brace. It was a lovely first-time finish from outside the box to put Arsenal ahead for good in the 54th minute of play,

Who's leading after MD20? And what do our writer, the algorithm, a child and this week's subscriber expect to see on Matchday 21?

Arsenal ensures it will end the year top of the Premier League after beating Aston Villa 4-1 at home in a powerful statement win.

The match at the Emirates Stadium was each team’s 19th of the season, officially marking the halfway point of their 2025-26 Premier League campaigns. With the win, Arsenal has a five-point lead over second-place Manchester City, who will have the chance to respond on Thursday, Jan. 1 with a visit to Sunderland.

Premier League Match Highlights (1/7) - Scoreline