Welcome to your Monday morning briefing for Premier League news January 5, 2026. If you’re a Chelsea supporter, you may want to look away. If you are a neutral, you have just witnessed one of the most devastating “Super Sundays” in recent history.
Manchester City defeated Chelsea 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium, apparently pushing Blues boss Enzo Maresca to the brink of dismissal. While City raced back into the championship race, Arsenal fans are still reeling after Saturday’s 3-2 victory against Bournemouth.
However, the Premier League drama only tells half the picture. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco is in full stride, and its influence on local outcomes is becoming clear. Liverpool, without Mohamed Salah, appears feeble, but Chelsea, without Nicolas Jackson, lacks focal points.
In this complete wrap, we evaluate the City vs. Chelsea bloodbath, explain the “AFCON Effect,” and provide an update on the transfer speculations circulating this morning.
The Etihad Massacre: Is This the End for Maresca?
Result: Manchester City 4-1 Chelsea The Narrative: Men against boys.
Manchester City wanted to make a statement after Aston Villa pulled them down to third on Saturday. They conveyed it emphatically. Erling Haaland, appearing energized and agitated, dominated the Chelsea defense with a first-half brace.
For Chelsea, this was the bottom. Without Nicolas Jackson (on service for Senegal), their assault was lackluster. But the true horror show was defensive. Maresca’s high line proved suicidal against the speed of Jeremy Doku and Savinho. By the time Cole Palmer scored a consolation goal in the 89th minute, the away end was nearly empty.
The Fallout: This morning, reliable sources say the Chelsea board has scheduled an emergency meeting. With the team in eighth position and the transfer window open, Todd Boehly is forced to choose between supporting the manager with fresh recruits and sacking him before the season is lost.
- Next Manager Odds: Thomas Frank (Brentford) and Ruben Amorim (if he left United?) are trending, but the latter is doubtful. A stunning interim comeback for a club great is not out of the question.
The “AFCON Void”: Who is Coping Best?
We are two weeks into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and the tournament in Morocco is wreaking havoc on Premier League teamsheets.
Liverpool Without Salah
The Reds drew 0-0 with Fulham yesterday, and Mohamed Salah’s absence (now captain of Egypt in the AFCON knockout rounds) was noticeable. Liverpool had 68% possession but only two shots on goal.
- The Concern: Darwin Núñez worked hard, but lacked Salah’s clinical ability. With Egypt looking strong and certain to make the semi-finals, Liverpool may be without their star until late January. This is the window during which the title might slip away.
Manchester United’s Onana Issue
Andre Onana is maintaining clean sheets for Cameroon, thus United has resorted to Altay Bayindir. The backup goalkeeper made a critical blunder in yesterday’s 1-1 tie with Leeds United. It’s a stark reminder of how important Onana’s distribution is to Ten Hag’s system.
The Winners: Arsenal & City
Arsenal (losing just Thomas Partey) and City (missing no crucial starters) stand to benefit the most. While their opponents struggle to fill gaps, they deploy full-strength XIs. The “AFCON tax” may be the determining factor in the 2026 title battle.
Transfer Center: Monday Morning Rumors
The Premier League news January 5, 2026 cycle is dominated by reaction to the weekend’s results. Panic buying is about to set in.
1. Chelsea Panic for a Striker?
Following yesterday’s lackluster showing, Chelsea is allegedly contemplating a huge bid for Victor Osimhen. Yes, the rumor is back. With Jackson out and Christopher Nkunku battling with fitness, the Blues want a genuine #9 urgently.
The Obstacle: Osimhen is presently attending AFCON with Nigeria! Even if they sign him today, he cannot play until Nigeria is eliminated. It summarizes Chelsea’s disorganized plans.
2. Arsenal Closing on Semenyo?
Despite Antoine Semenyo’s blanking against Arsenal on Saturday, Mikel Arteta is still persuaded. According to reports, Arsenal will submit a formal £55 million proposal to Bournemouth today (Monday) to test their commitment. Bournemouth, who sit comfortably in mid-table, may cash in now to reinvest.
3. Liverpool’s Defensive Reinforcements
With Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future still uncertain (Real Madrid whispers abound), Liverpool is seeking for quick cover. Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen) is becoming increasingly well-known. He has the same attacking output as Trent and a release clause that becomes active in the summer, but Liverpool might try to negotiate a January transfer.
Leeds vs. Man United: The Stalemate
In the other big game from Sunday, Leeds United and Manchester United played out a ferocious 1-1 draw at Elland Road.
The Hero: Crysencio Summerville gave Leeds the lead by ripping Diogo Dalot apart.
The Savior: Bruno Fernandes saved a point with a penalty in the 75th minute.
The Verdict: A fair result that benefits neither team. United slips farther away from the Top 4, as Leeds is in the relegation zone.
The Week Ahead: FA Cup Fever
Looking ahead, the Premier League takes a short break as the FA Cup Third Round takes center stage this coming weekend (Jan 9-12).
Key Fixtures to Watch:
- Arsenal vs. Liverpool (Sunday, Jan 11): A big heavyweight showdown at the Emirates. Klopp faces Arteta in a knockout game.
- Sunderland vs. Newcastle (Saturday, Jan 10): The Tyne-Wear Derby returns! This is undoubtedly the most important game of the round. The mood at the Stadium of Lights will be electrifying.
- Maidstone United vs. Manchester City: The enchantment of the cup. Pep Guardiola’s superstars are visiting a non-league stadium (if Maidstone is still in Consider Wrexham vs. Manchester City.
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Review
A quick look at the “Dream Team” from Gameweek 20:
- Erling Haaland (Man City): 13 points (2 goals and 3 bonuses). If you captained him, you made it.
- Declan Rice (Arsenal): 15 points (2 goals; match winner). The top scorer for the week.
- John McGinn (Aston Villa): 14 points (two goals against Forest).
Tip for Next Week: Keep in mind that FA Cup games do not count for FPL points. Use this week to make moves and improve your squad before the Premier League begins on January 14th.
Conclusion: The Maresca Watch
The next 48 hours will shape Premier League news January 5, 2026. If Chelsea fires Enzo Maresca, the managerial saga begins. If he stays, the mood at Stamford Bridge next week will be terrible.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and City are gaining ground, with Liverpool (and their AFCON-depleted team) trailing behind.
Continue to refresh for updates. Monday is going to be quite busy.
FAQ: Premier League News January 5, 2026
Q: Did Manchester City beat Chelsea yesterday? A: Yes. Manchester City beat Chelsea 4–1 at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland scored twice.
Q: Is Mohamed Salah playing for Liverpool? A: No. Mohamed Salah is presently in Morocco, representing Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He will miss Liverpool’s games until Egypt is eliminated or the tournament concludes on January 18.
Q: Has Enzo Maresca been sacked by Chelsea? A: Enzo Maresca is still the manager as of Monday morning (Jan 5), although sources indicate that his status is under serious jeopardy as a result of the crushing defeat to Manchester City.
Q: Who is top of the Premier League? A: Following their 3-2 win over Bournemouth, Arsenal stays top of the standings, one point ahead of Aston Villa and three points ahead of Manchester City.
Q: When is the FA Cup 3rd Round? A: The FA Cup Third Round matches will take place this weekend, from Friday, January 9, to Monday, January 12, 2026.
ALSO READ: January Transfer Window 2026: The Ultimate Guide to the Winter Market
