5. Arsenal make history at Palace
Another recent moment to finish, and again it is Crystal Palace who have provided the backdrop for Arsenal gladness.
The Gunners enjoyed many bright away days in 2024 and their trip to Selhurst Park ranks high among them. Here, Gabriel Jesus popped up with two more goals against the Eagles before Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli followed suit to earn us a comprehensive 5-1 win and a valuable three points.
Though the margin of victory was impressive, its history-making aspect is what made this result truly memorable: Arsenal became the first English side ever to score at least five goals in six different away games across all competitions in a single calendar year.
That factoid conveys just how special this Arsenal team is and it could be deemed emblematic of the forward strides they are making under Arteta; a group once considered a soft touch on the road are now among the best travelling cohorts this league has seen.
For the moment, those ‘special’ qualities are not earning just rewards, but perhaps that will change in the second half of the campaign.
Happy New Year everyone!