This season has gone off script a little - Man City are down in the dumps, Nottingham Forest have found themselves in a top four race, and there have been no growing pains for Arne Slot's all-conquering Liverpool side.
The Reds top the table as we begin the new year, with Arsenal following behind in second. Liverpool have logged 45 points from 18 games, while Mikel Arteta's men are on 39, despite playing an extra game.
The race for Champions League qualification is wide open, as the gap between Chelsea in fourth and Aston Villa in ninth is only six points.