Arsenal is top of the Premier League at Christmas, but the Champagne can stay on ice for now. Mikel Arteta knows from painful experience that festive standings guarantee nothing when it comes to eventually lifting the title. Arsenal led the way at this point in 2022 and 2023, only to be twice beaten to the crown by Manchester City. Topping the table at Christmas has traditionally been a bad omen for the North London club, even before Arteta’s time as manager. On four previous occasions in the Premier League era it has held the Yuletide No.1 and never gone on to be crowned champion. Pep Guardiola and his City side may be most encouraged by the standings, having gone on to win the title on four occasions when not leading at this stage. Arteta, however, is not dwelling on past failures. “What gives me belief and confidence is the level of performance and the consistency of that,” he said after Saturday’s narrow win at Everton ensured top spot. “That’s very, very difficult to do in …