Overview
- Arsenal sit top at Christmas but recent narrow wins and a dip in attacking fluency have invited pressure from a resurgent Manchester City, according to ESPN analysis.
- Unai Emery says Aston Villa’s motivation is rooted in correcting past errors as his in‑form side pursue consistency, with the manager also leaving the door open to January reinforcements.
- Manchester United travel to Villa Park with Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Casemiro suspended and defensive injuries raising the prospect of a switch to a back four.
- Liverpool edged Tottenham 2-1 in a chaotic contest that featured two Spurs red cards, but goal‑scorer Alexander Isak was forced off injured and faces assessment after his brief second‑half cameo.
- Emery reaffirmed his commitment to helping on‑loan Jadon Sancho rediscover form later this season, with the winger ineligible against his parent club and earmarked to return for the next match versus Chelsea.