Could a fast-charging Manchester City claim top spot in the Premier League by Christmas, or will Arsenal hold on to first place through the festive period?

Pep Guardiola’s side welcome struggling West Ham to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday riding a six-match winning streak in all competitions. Arsenal, meanwhile, face a demanding away trip to Everton later in the day.

Elsewhere, high-flying Aston Villa host Manchester United as they look to extend a remarkable run that has propelled them into the title conversation, while Liverpool travel to face an inconsistent Tottenham.

AFP Sport highlights three key talking points ahead of the weekend’s action:

City close in on the summit

Manchester City have hit ominous form and sit just two points behind long-time leaders Arsenal. With a win over West Ham, Guardiola’s champions could move top of the table, at least temporarily.

Arsenal’s task appears far more complicated. Their challenging run of fixtures begins at Everton and continues against Brighton, Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Liverpool.

The Gunners looked weary in last week’s 2-1 victory over bottom club Wolves, relying on a late own goal to secure all three points. Despite their attacking depth, they managed only two shots on target.

Arteta also bemoaned “horrible defensive habits” in that performance, though injuries have played a significant role. William Saliba returned, but Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera remain sidelined, while Ben White suffered a hamstring injury during the match.

Arsenal are still favourites to lift their first league title since 2004, but they cannot afford to allow City to seize control of the race.

Villa eye another statement win

While City and Arsenal set the pace, Aston Villa continue to demand attention. Unai Emery’s side have won 10 of their last 11 league games and sit just three points off the top, despite failing to score in their first four matches of the season.

The manner of their victories has been particularly impressive. Villa twice came from behind to beat West Ham last week, having earlier overturned a two-goal deficit against Brighton and struck a last-gasp winner to defeat Arsenal.

“We are feeling ambitious,” Emery said. “We want to challenge in Europe and in the Premier League. The key is to enjoy each match and prepare properly.”

Next up is Manchester United, a team Villa have beaten only once at home in the Premier League since 1995 — a victory that came in Emery’s first match in charge.

Spurs search for answers

Tottenham’s struggles continued with a 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest last weekend, prompting head coach Thomas Frank to admit there is no “quick fix” to the club’s problems.

Spurs have managed just four wins in their last 14 matches across all competitions and now face reigning champions Liverpool. After a miserable 17th-place finish last season under Ange Postecoglou — albeit salvaged by Europa League success — progress under Frank has been limited.

After 16 league games, Tottenham have scored fewer goals and conceded more than at the same stage last season. Alarmingly, only Everton, Sunderland and Wolves have recorded fewer shots on target, despite significant attacking reinforcements in the summer, including Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani.

Frank remains confident he will be given time, but patience may soon be tested as the pressure continues to mount.