Welcome to the pivotal stretch of the Premier League season

This is a critical time as the English league compresses five matchdays into two and a half weeks leading up to January 8, with the FA Cup round following soon after. It’s during this intense schedule that the true nature of the teams may reveal itself.

Despite high expectations, recent weeks have posed significant questions for some of the league’s top clubs. Arsenal seems shaky; are they still strong title contenders? Aston Villa is on a remarkable run—can they genuinely challenge for the title? Meanwhile, Manchester United appears to falter and has seen too many leads slip away.

1. Are Arsenal still title favorites?

The sentiment among Arsenal fans is less than optimistic. A quick scan of social media depicts a worried fan base, and bookmakers indicate very little chance of the Gunners claiming the league title. Opta predicts a 65% probability of an Arsenal triumph, yet their form has recently been lackluster. A loss to Aston Villa and a narrow win against a struggling Wolverhampton suggest a decline in their performance.

Recent injuries to key players further underline their struggles, putting additional pressure on their already thin squad. Star defender Gabriel’s absence has significantly affected their defensive stability.

2. Are Aston Villa title contenders?

Surprisingly, Aston Villa sits atop the Premier League standings after winning 10 of their last 11 matches. However, their underlying metrics don’t support their lofty position. Statistically, they rank much lower in goal difference and expected goals metrics. Their success seems primarily attributed to exceptional long-range shooting from players like Morgan Rogers.

3. Do Manchester United have a problem holding leads?

Under Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s situation has progressed from addressing systemic issues to a more granular focus on why they struggle to maintain leads. They have allowed 14 goals after gaining an advantage, while their inability to control the game has resulted in a frustrating season. Their mid-table passing stats reflect a team not fully in sync, complicating their efforts to find consistency.

Overall, while efforts are being made to improve results, the current direction suggests a rocky path ahead for these clubs as they navigate the busy schedule.