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Manchester City own the line that Arsenal must chase
United have the strongest English cushion, but City control the crucial cut and Arsenal already have the most ground to repair.
Aston Villa’s decline runs deeper than a poor opening
The early evidence points to a team weakened at both ends, making the slide more likely to persist than disappear on its own.
Arsenal carry the greatest risk among the early winners
Manchester United look quietly secure, Arsenal are under pressure, and Manchester City occupy the table’s crucial boundary.
United have cover while Arsenal lose seeding ground
Manchester United have the strongest English cushion, while Arsenal’s narrow win leaves them most exposed in the seeding race.
Liverpool festive PL fixtures moved for Sky coverage, says report
Three Liverpool away matches over the festive period have new TV kick-offs at Hull, Aston Villa and Sunderland, while the home game with Coventry stays at 3pm on Saturday 2 January.
Aston Villa’s early plunge is real but not yet durable
Failure at both ends explains Villa’s fall, but the evidence remains too slight to show that last season’s level has vanished.
Harwood-Bellis travels to Hull but not in Aston Villa squad
Taylor Harwood-Bellis made the trip to Hull but was not named in Aston Villa’s squad on Saturday, following several frustrating days after his departure from Southampton.
Everton interested in Abraham loan but striker reluctant
The Merseyside club looked into a temporary move for the Aston Villa forward, but the player’s reluctance has prevented the idea from developing into anything more concrete.
Aston Villa confirm €55m signing of Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG
Aston Villa have confirmed Ibrahim Mbaye’s move from PSG in a deal valued at €55m, with PSG counting additional elements and retaining a sell-on component.
Dortmund make loan proposal for Arsenal attacker Nwaneri
Borussia Dortmund have proposed a loan for Arsenal attacker Ethan Nwaneri, with talks continuing and the player left out of the squad to face Aston Villa.
Arsenal’s control should decide Aston Villa’s response
Villa need selective pressure and clean exits, but Arsenal’s stronger opening makes a low-chaos contest their likelier route to victory.
Aston Villa finalising £30m Harwood-Bellis deal with Southampton
Villa are putting the finishing touches to a £30m package, including add-ons, for Taylor Harwood-Bellis to join from Southampton, with the structure agreed and completion expected.