All Article Properties:
{
"access_control": false,
"status": "publish",
"objectType": "Article",
"id": "2516865",
"signature": "Article:2516865",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-20-the-premier-leagues-demanding-festive-schedule-where-the-championship-is-won-or-lost/",
"shorturl": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2516865",
"slug": "the-premier-leagues-demanding-festive-schedule-where-the-championship-is-won-or-lost",
"contentType": {
"id": "1",
"name": "Article",
"slug": "article"
},
"views": 0,
"comments": 0,
"preview_limit": null,
"excludedFromGoogleSearchEngine": 0,
"title": "The Premier League’s demanding festive schedule, where the championship is won or lost",
"firstPublished": "2024-12-20 13:45:26",
"lastUpdate": "2024-12-20 13:45:29",
"categories": [
{
"id": "30",
"name": "Sport",
"signature": "Category:30",
"slug": "sport",
"typeId": {
"typeId": "1",
"name": "Daily Maverick",
"slug": "",
"includeInIssue": "0",
"shortened_domain": "",
"stylesheetClass": "",
"domain": "staging.dailymaverick.co.za",
"articleUrlPrefix": "",
"access_groups": "[]",
"locale": "",
"preview_limit": null
},
"parentId": null,
"parent": [],
"image": "",
"cover": "",
"logo": "",
"paid": "0",
"objectType": "Category",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/category/sport/",
"cssCode": "",
"template": "default",
"tagline": "",
"link_param": null,
"description": "",
"metaDescription": "",
"order": "0",
"pageId": null,
"articlesCount": null,
"allowComments": "1",
"accessType": "freecount",
"status": "1",
"children": [],
"cached": true
},
{
"id": "387188",
"name": "Maverick News",
"signature": "Category:387188",
"slug": "maverick-news",
"typeId": {
"typeId": "1",
"name": "Daily Maverick",
"slug": "",
"includeInIssue": "0",
"shortened_domain": "",
"stylesheetClass": "",
"domain": "staging.dailymaverick.co.za",
"articleUrlPrefix": "",
"access_groups": "[]",
"locale": "",
"preview_limit": null
},
"parentId": null,
"parent": [],
"image": "",
"cover": "",
"logo": "",
"paid": "0",
"objectType": "Category",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/category/maverick-news/",
"cssCode": "",
"template": "default",
"tagline": "",
"link_param": null,
"description": "",
"metaDescription": "",
"order": "0",
"pageId": null,
"articlesCount": null,
"allowComments": "1",
"accessType": "freecount",
"status": "1",
"children": [],
"cached": true
}
],
"content_length": 4220,
"contents": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While other high-profile European leagues take a break during the December period, in England they operate differently. Instead of taking a hiatus, the English Premier League ramps up the action in a frantic soccer frenzy. During this fortnight of relentless action, the league may be won or lost. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With Liverpool leading the way in the Premier League at the moment, while the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City attempt to catch the runaway Reds – this season’s race may be one of the closest-run for some time.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most engrossing title tussle in recent memory happened during the 2018/19 season – when Liverpool and Pep Guardiola’s City duelled ferociously for the right to be crowned kings of English soccer. At the end of it all, a single point separated the two teams after City had chased down Liverpool.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During that exciting campaign, Liverpool had been on top by the time Christmas came around. However, they could not hold on. Just like a few others before them.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-2516476 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2190093495.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1181\" height=\"1704\" /> <em>Harry Maguire of Manchester United and Erling Haaland of Manchester City battle for possession during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Manchester United FC at Etihad Stadium on 15 December 2024 in Manchester. (Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images)</em></p>\r\n<h4><b>Top-of-the-table history</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does history tell us about teams that sit top of the table on Christmas day? It is a perfect split. From the past 32 Premier League seasons, 16 sides that occupied top spot on 25 December, have proceeded to win the league. Which means another 16 have gone on to lose the league, despite being at the summit during this period. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over the past two seasons, Arsenal have been the log leaders at Christmas. Both times they have been beaten to overall glory by City. When Liverpool won their maiden Premier League title in 2019/20, they were at the summit on Christmas. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is Chelsea that have a perfect record of winning the league after leading the pack by the time Christmas comes. All the Blues’ five Premier League victories have come from them being the table-toppers on Christmas day. </span>\r\n\r\n<strong>Read more:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-08-18-english-premier-league-2024-25-players-to-watch/\">Players to watch in the English Premier League 2024/25 season</a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enzo Maresca’s men currently trail Liverpool by two points, although the team from London has played a match more than their Merseyside counterparts. Both teams are next in action on Sunday, 22 December.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chelsea play Liverpool’s regional rivals Everton – a game in which they can shoot to the summit of the Premier League with victory. Even if for a couple of hours, as the Reds are also in action, taking on Tottenham Hotspur later that day. </span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-2198641 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/12219359.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1718\" height=\"1190\" /> <em>Antony of Manchester United in action with Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal in Manchester on 12 May 2024. (Photo: EPA-EFE/Peter Powell).</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the fact that the Blues can reach the summit of the Premier League with a win over Everton, Italian tactician Maresca has regularly insisted that his team is still a work in progress and does not possess the tools to outlast the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and City in the title race. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maresca reiterated this point, following Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Brentford a week ago, a win which took Chelsea to five consecutive wins. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“No matter how many games we win, we are not ready to compete for the title. One of the reasons why is that the team that knows how to compete to win titles, they won’t concede goals we concede,” said Maresca – pointing out Chelsea’s frail backline. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“There are things we have to do better. That’s why I said we are not ready. The fans, they can dream and think. But us inside as a club, as a squad, as players, as coaching staff, we need to be realistic,” Maresca said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite Maresca’s utterances, Chelsea can truly entrench themselves in the title race with success in their next four fixtures. After Everton, the Blues play Fulham, Ipswich and Crystal Palace. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liverpool, on the other hand, will tussle with Leicester City, West Ham and Manchester United, following their crunch tie with Spurs. By the time the festive fixtures end, to usher in the FA Cup, the table may be completely different to its current structure. </span><b>DM</b>\r\n\r\n ",
"teaser": "The Premier League’s demanding festive schedule, where the championship is won or lost",
"externalUrl": "",
"sponsor": null,
"authors": [
{
"id": "19802",
"name": "Yanga Sibembe",
"image": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sibembe.jpg",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/author/yanga-sibembe/",
"editorialName": "yanga-sibembe",
"department": "",
"name_latin": ""
}
],
"description": "",
"keywords": [
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "6178",
"name": "Sports",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/sports/",
"slug": "sports",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Sports",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "14354",
"name": "Premier League",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/premier-league/",
"slug": "premier-league",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Premier League",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "40574",
"name": "Liverpool",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/liverpool/",
"slug": "liverpool",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Liverpool",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "118108",
"name": "Manchester City",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/manchester-city/",
"slug": "manchester-city",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Manchester City",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "424723",
"name": "Enzo Maresca",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/enzo-maresca/",
"slug": "enzo-maresca",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Enzo Maresca",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "428354",
"name": "Mikel Areta",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/mikel-areta/",
"slug": "mikel-areta",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Mikel Areta",
"translations": null
}
}
],
"short_summary": null,
"source": null,
"related": [],
"options": [],
"attachments": [
{
"id": "73785",
"name": "Antony of Manchester United in action with Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal in Manchester on 12 May 2024. (Photo: EPA-EFE/Peter Powell). ",
"description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While other high-profile European leagues take a break during the December period, in England they operate differently. Instead of taking a hiatus, the English Premier League ramps up the action in a frantic soccer frenzy. During this fortnight of relentless action, the league may be won or lost. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With Liverpool leading the way in the Premier League at the moment, while the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City attempt to catch the runaway Reds – this season’s race may be one of the closest-run for some time.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most engrossing title tussle in recent memory happened during the 2018/19 season – when Liverpool and Pep Guardiola’s City duelled ferociously for the right to be crowned kings of English soccer. At the end of it all, a single point separated the two teams after City had chased down Liverpool.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During that exciting campaign, Liverpool had been on top by the time Christmas came around. However, they could not hold on. Just like a few others before them.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2516476\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1181\"]<img class=\"wp-image-2516476 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2190093495.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1181\" height=\"1704\" /> <em>Harry Maguire of Manchester United and Erling Haaland of Manchester City battle for possession during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Manchester United FC at Etihad Stadium on 15 December 2024 in Manchester. (Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images)</em>[/caption]\r\n<h4><b>Top-of-the-table history</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does history tell us about teams that sit top of the table on Christmas day? It is a perfect split. From the past 32 Premier League seasons, 16 sides that occupied top spot on 25 December, have proceeded to win the league. Which means another 16 have gone on to lose the league, despite being at the summit during this period. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over the past two seasons, Arsenal have been the log leaders at Christmas. Both times they have been beaten to overall glory by City. When Liverpool won their maiden Premier League title in 2019/20, they were at the summit on Christmas. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is Chelsea that have a perfect record of winning the league after leading the pack by the time Christmas comes. All the Blues’ five Premier League victories have come from them being the table-toppers on Christmas day. </span>\r\n\r\n<strong>Read more:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-08-18-english-premier-league-2024-25-players-to-watch/\">Players to watch in the English Premier League 2024/25 season</a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enzo Maresca’s men currently trail Liverpool by two points, although the team from London has played a match more than their Merseyside counterparts. Both teams are next in action on Sunday, 22 December.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chelsea play Liverpool’s regional rivals Everton – a game in which they can shoot to the summit of the Premier League with victory. Even if for a couple of hours, as the Reds are also in action, taking on Tottenham Hotspur later that day. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2198641\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1718\"]<img class=\"wp-image-2198641 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/12219359.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1718\" height=\"1190\" /> <em>Antony of Manchester United in action with Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal in Manchester on 12 May 2024. (Photo: EPA-EFE/Peter Powell).</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the fact that the Blues can reach the summit of the Premier League with a win over Everton, Italian tactician Maresca has regularly insisted that his team is still a work in progress and does not possess the tools to outlast the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and City in the title race. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maresca reiterated this point, following Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Brentford a week ago, a win which took Chelsea to five consecutive wins. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“No matter how many games we win, we are not ready to compete for the title. One of the reasons why is that the team that knows how to compete to win titles, they won’t concede goals we concede,” said Maresca – pointing out Chelsea’s frail backline. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“There are things we have to do better. That’s why I said we are not ready. The fans, they can dream and think. But us inside as a club, as a squad, as players, as coaching staff, we need to be realistic,” Maresca said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite Maresca’s utterances, Chelsea can truly entrench themselves in the title race with success in their next four fixtures. After Everton, the Blues play Fulham, Ipswich and Crystal Palace. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liverpool, on the other hand, will tussle with Leicester City, West Ham and Manchester United, following their crunch tie with Spurs. By the time the festive fixtures end, to usher in the FA Cup, the table may be completely different to its current structure. </span><b>DM</b>\r\n\r\n ",
"focal": "50% 50%",
"width": 0,
"height": 0,
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2189943517.jpg",
"transforms": [
{
"x": "200",
"y": "100",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/6PxO201BacASkPXPXNtEKVU5gVI=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2189943517.jpg"
},
{
"x": "450",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/xcG6NjZ2AQvsTlQH29dES5_hl5s=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2189943517.jpg"
},
{
"x": "800",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/90FMFdw-PkSVm8tCIDWEYWkDGOA=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2189943517.jpg"
},
{
"x": "1200",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/QavIFqGikQFN0xDRN3rpfEGfd-s=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2189943517.jpg"
},
{
"x": "1600",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/6sb1UqD5HNvOtVKn3KPhMtae-uw=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2189943517.jpg"
}
],
"url_thumbnail": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/6PxO201BacASkPXPXNtEKVU5gVI=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2189943517.jpg",
"url_medium": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/xcG6NjZ2AQvsTlQH29dES5_hl5s=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2189943517.jpg",
"url_large": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/90FMFdw-PkSVm8tCIDWEYWkDGOA=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2189943517.jpg",
"url_xl": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/QavIFqGikQFN0xDRN3rpfEGfd-s=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2189943517.jpg",
"url_xxl": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/6sb1UqD5HNvOtVKn3KPhMtae-uw=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2189943517.jpg",
"type": "image"
}
],
"summary": "Liverpool currently lead the Premier League standings, with Chelsea not far behind. Arsenal and Manchester City cannot be written off either. \r\n",
"template_type": null,
"dm_custom_section_label": null,
"elements": [],
"seo": {
"search_title": "The Premier League’s demanding festive schedule, where the championship is won or lost",
"search_description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While other high-profile European leagues take a break during the December period, in England they operate differently. Instead of taking a hiatus, the English Premier ",
"social_title": "The Premier League’s demanding festive schedule, where the championship is won or lost",
"social_description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While other high-profile European leagues take a break during the December period, in England they operate differently. Instead of taking a hiatus, the English Premier ",
"social_image": ""
},
"cached": true,
"access_allowed": true
} 
Harry Maguire of Manchester United and Erling Haaland of Manchester City battle for possession during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Manchester United FC at Etihad Stadium on 15 December 2024 in Manchester. (Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Antony of Manchester United in action with Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal in Manchester on 12 May 2024. (Photo: EPA-EFE/Peter Powell).