What continues into 2026 in the Premier League version: Manchester United fans refuse to cut their hair; Arsenal rejects second place after a scissors gesture.
On 31 Dec 2025 GMT+7, the last day of 2025—a year full of both joy and sorrow—the baton passes to 2026. The Premier League world still offers hot topics to follow. Here are "4 things continuing into 2026" in the Premier League version.
1. Arsenal: Holding the top spot! Rejecting second place in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta's Gunners remain strong across the year! They closed 2025 by thrashing Aston Villa 4-1, firmly holding the "top spot," leading Manchester City by 5 points.
This is good news to carry into 2026 for Arsenal fans after heartbreak finishing runners-up in the Premier League three consecutive times.
2. Manchester United fan refuses scissors.
Frank Ilett, known as "The United Strand," a devoted Manchester United fan, declared he would "not cut his hair" until his beloved team wins five consecutive matches in all competitions. This streak has lasted over a year and will reset in 2026 after the Red Devils drew 1-1 with winless Wolverhampton, who have yet to win this season.
Manchester United's next 5 fixtures after the New Year.
4 January 2026 GMT+7 (Premier League): Leeds United vs. Manchester United.
7 January 2026 GMT+7 (Premier League): Burnley vs. Manchester United.
11 January 2026 GMT+7 (FA Cup Third Round): Manchester United vs. Brighton.
17 January 2026 GMT+7 (Premier League): Manchester United vs. Manchester City.
25 January 2026 GMT+7 (Premier League): Arsenal vs. Manchester United.
3. Chelsea tops the red card accumulation in the league.
In 2025, Chelsea saw multiple red cards across several positions, including goalkeeper Sanchez, defender Chalobah, forward Joao Pedro, and even manager Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea became the team with the most red cards in the Premier League, with 4 red cards in 19 matches. They also rank fourth in yellow cards, accumulating 41.
4. Wirtz: No longer Spy 0017.
After fans mocked Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s attacking midfielder, early in his Liverpool career by calling him "Spy 0017" because since his £116 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to the Premier League, he had 0 goals and 0 assists in 17 appearances.
Recently, in the final match of 2025, Wirtz ended the "spy" nickname by scoring his first Premier League goal as the Reds edged Wolverhampton 2-1 on Saturday night, 27 Dec 2025 GMT+7.