Arsenal are eyeing the end of an unflattering statistic as the Premier League title race enters 2026.

Guardiola vows to stay amid Maresca talk

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Pep Guardiola has reiterated his desire to stay on at Manchester City amid fresh rumours surrounding Enzo Maresca.

The long-serving City manager said last month he intended to see out his contract at the Etihad Stadium, which runs until the summer of 2027.

That came following speculation City had identified Maresca, a former assistant of Guardiola’s, as a potential successor to the Spaniard should he decide to step down this summer.

Maresca has since parted company with Chelsea – dramatically leaving Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day – and there have been claims the Italian’s exit came after he informed the club he had held talks with City.

But Guardiola said: “I have a contract. I said a thousand million times. It’s 10 years here, I will leave one day but I have a contract. I’m happy. I want to fight with my team.

“I have one more year’s contract. I like to be here, so we will see, you will see.”

Johnson completes Palace move

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Brennan Johnson has completed his £35million move from Tottenham to Crystal Palace.

The Wales international, 24, has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at Selhurst Park.

Johnson, who fell out of favour under Thomas Frank at Spurs despite being the north London club’s top scorer last season, is set to make his debut for Palace in their Premier League match against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday.

“I’m really excited and I’m really happy,” Johnson said. “Crystal Palace are such a great club, one that I’ve always admired.

“It’s a great time for me to be here and join the journey that this club is on.”

Arteta out to break Arsenal’s title hoodoo

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Mikel Arteta insisted it is time for Arsenal to break their new year hoodoo by landing the club’s first Premier League title in more than two decades.

The Gunners hold a four-point lead over Manchester City but on the previous five occasions across the last 23 years when they have ended the calendar year on top of the table, they have failed to win the title.

Arsenal, who last won the league in 2004, have also finished runners-up for the past three campaigns.

Speaking ahead of his side’s match at Bournemouth on Saturday, Arteta insisted he was not aware of the statistic, but added: “Let’s break it.

“That’s what the players transmit every single day when they’re with us, training, and in every match. You can see their desire. You can see the energy that they put in, and how much they want it.”

What’s on today?

The Gunners’ teatime trip to Bournemouth is the last of four top-flight fixtures on Saturday, with third-placed Villa taking on Nottingham Forest while relegation rivals Wolves and West Ham clash at Molineux.

Celtic host Rangers as the main event of a full Scottish schedule, while Africa Cup of Nations second favourites Senegal take on Sudan in the round of 16.