The Premier League title race: how the top five contenders shape up

With six points separating the first five places heading into Christmas, Manchester City face a challenge to defend their crown again

PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE FORERUNNERS: Kevin De Bruyne, Declan Rice, Ange Postecoglou, Mo Salah and Ollie Watkins. 

Arsenal: P18 Pts 40 GD+20 

The case for: When Martin Ødegaard crossed in the very last knockings at Luton on 5 December, there was an inevitability about Declan Rice’s headed winner. Not only because Rice had done it before – remember his decisive 96th-minute goal against Manchester United on 3 September – but because Arsenal have made a habit of this type of thing; the never‑say‑die pushes that advertise the mentality of champions.