Plenty of importance is always given to where a club finds itself on Christmas Day. 17 of the last 33 league leaders have gone on to win the title, while only four sides have ever climbed up from bottom and out of the relegation zone. Sorry, Wolverhampton Wanderers, it’s not looking good.

Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz latest news and return dates - Gunners still without several key players ahead of key festive games

One of those games was the controversial fixture which saw Declan Rice sent off but across both games, Brighton generated more xG overall (3.28) than Arsenal did (3.02). With quite a few of his squad returning from injury, coupled with a full week's worth of rest in a busy December, Brighton ought to be the fresher side.

Arsenal were confirmed as Chelsea's Carabao Cup semi-final opponents after victory over Crystal Palace on penalties.

Kai Havertz’s season has been defined by interruption rather than rhythm. The German suffered a knee injury on the opening weekend, required surgery, then endured a setback in November that slowed his return further. Yet recent updates have been among the most encouraging Arsenal have received.

Arsenal edged past Crystal Palace on penalties on Tuesday to reach the semi-finals of the League Cup when goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saved a spot kick from Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.

Crystal Palace suffered a 4-1 loss to Leeds United away from home. Justin Devenny scored for Palace in their loss to Leeds United. Crystal Palace is 8th in the league table with 26 points and has a league record of seven wins, five draws, and five losses.

Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was the unlikely hero on Tuesday night as the Gunners sneaked past Crystal Palace and into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup after a penalty shoot-out. The Gunners went ahead late on thanks to a Maxence Lacroix own goal but were pegged back in stoppage time by Marc Guehi's equaliser.

Arsenal look to awaken from their attacking doldrums when they face Crystal Palace on Tuesday for the final semifinal spot in the 2025-26 League Cup competition.

Mikel Arteta will be pleased that his side managed to get through penalties to reach the semi-finals, but the way that his players managed the tie will have disappointed the Arsenal manager. The Gunners were again far from their best and missed a host of chances before Maxence Lacroix's late own goal.