Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal went into the World Cup break with a five-point gap ahead of Manchester City after beating Wolves 2-0 on Saturday evening, hours after Pep Guardiola’s side lost 2-1 to Brentford at Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City knew they needed to win to move to the top of the table, pending the Gunners’ visit to the Molineux. However, the Cityzens lost to Brentford courtesy of a brace from Ivan Toney.

The Brentford striker missed out on the Three Lions team to the World Cup but gave Gareth Southgate a resounding reply.

Meanwhile, Arsenal comfortably saw off Wolves, with Martin Odegaard scoring a brace in the second half.

Arsenal now have 37 points from 14 games, with City in second with 32 points, and Mikel Arteta stated that it was an unprecedented one to see Arsenal go into Christmas with a five points lead and above Manchester City.

“Obviously, nobody expected us to be where we are right now, But it’s great to be where we are, and we are enjoying that moment. The competition is so big that you’re always looking at other opponents. It’s something that every team does.” Arteta said.

Chelsea lost their Premier League game against Newcastle by a single goal to New as the tunes cemented their top-four spot. There was a seven-goal thriller that saw Tottenham beat Spurs 4-3.

Southampton lost at Anfield 3-1, while Leicester City heaped more pressure on West Ham and David Moyes; there was also a victory for Nottingham Forest over Crystal Palace.

On Sunday, Manchester United scored a late winner in their 1-2 victory over Fulham at the Craven Cottage, and Aston Villa came from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 at the Amex stadium.

The Premier League break since Arsenal top of the table with Manchester City in second place while Newcastle and Tottenham fill up the top four.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu