Arsenal finds itself once again at the summit of the Premier League table this Christmas, a position they've occupied twice in the past three seasons. However, despite their leading stance, recent performances suggest a team struggling for consistency and flair, raising questions about their title credentials as the season approaches its halfway point.

The Gunners' recent form has been characterized by tough, often unconvincing victories. A narrow 2-1 home win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, sealed by a stoppage-time own goal, was followed by a 1-0 triumph at Everton on Saturday. This victory, secured by a Viktor Gyökeres penalty due to a Jake O'Brien handball, showcased Arsenal's resilience but also highlighted a potential lack of killer instinct, with shots from Leandro Trossard and Martín Zubimendi hitting the post.

This current run marks a shift from less than a month ago when Mikel Arteta's side seemed destined for a comfortable title procession. Following an Eberechi Eze hat trick in a dominant 4-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal had established a six-point lead at the top, seven clear of Manchester City. This strong period came after a 10-game winning streak across all competitions, momentarily reigniting hopes for a first league title since 2004.

However, those dreams of an easy run have faded. Manchester City, the defending champions, are now firmly back on Arsenal's tail, exhibiting formidable form with five wins in their last five league games, scoring 11 and conceding none in their last four. City's resurgence saw them briefly reclaim the top spot for the first time in 14 months before Arsenal's late Saturday fixture, adding significant psychological pressure on the Gunners.

The positive interpretation of Arsenal's recent struggles is that they are winning even when not at their best—a characteristic often associated with champions. Yet, a more critical view suggests that Arsenal's limitations are becoming apparent as the pressure mounts, just as Pep Guardiola's City side regains its formidable rhythm. Arteta himself acknowledges the arduous nature of the league, stating, "The only thing we can control is our own performance and results."

History, however, weighs heavily. In the two most recent seasons they were top on December 25th (2022-23 and 2023-24), Arsenal ultimately finished as runners-up to Manchester City. This precedent creates a narrative that the Gunners must overcome. While they can enjoy being top at Christmas, the true challenge lies in ensuring they remain there until the end of May to make this position truly count.