After appointing David Moyes as their new manager, West Ham United also needed a leader on the pitch as they sought to leapfrog AFC Bournemouth on New Year's Day and move away from the bottom three.
Skipper Mark Noble duly delivered, breaking the deadlock and then converting a penalty that he won himself as the Hammers beat the Cherries 4-0 at home and moved up to 16th place.
In the process the 32-year-old earned a place in Premier League Champion Alan Shearer's Team of the Week for 2020's first round of matches.
What do you think to @alanshearer's #PL Team of the Week? 👇 pic.twitter.com/1Vug3hdPBd
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 3, 2020
Kepa Arrizabalaga (CHE) BHA 1-1 CHE
Made two very good saves, including one late on from Neal Maupay, to ensure his team came away with a point.
Cedric Soares (SOU) SOU 1-0 TOT
Seems to be getting back to his best in the Premier League after spending the second half of last season out on loan. He played his part in a solid defensive performance.
Sokratis (ARS) ARS 2-0 MUN
Arsenal had a real solidity about them against Manchester United and the Greek centre-back made an impact offensively too, volleying home to double the Gunners' lead.
Jack Stephens (SOU) SOU 1-0 TOT
Saints' standout defender in recent matches, he kept Harry Kane quiet and set up Danny Ings' decisive goal with a ball over the top.
Andrew Robertson (LIV) LIV 2-0 SHU
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been stealing the headlines recently but Robertson reminded everyone of his own qualities with his sixth assist of the season.
James Maddison (LEI) NEW 0-3 LEI
The 23-year-old ran the show in the first half and scored a stunning goal as Leicester City hit three away from home without Jamie Vardy.
Mark Noble (WHU) WHU 4-0 BOU
Delivered a captain's performance for his new manager, driving his team on with his energy and passing and scoring two very important goals.
Jack Grealish (AVL) BUR 1-2 AVL
A trip to Turf Moor is never easy but he produced a stunning performance and scored the second goal.
Danny Ings (SOU) SOU 1-0 TOT
Ran the Spurs defence ragged and scored yet again. Many strikers would have just got their shot away first-time but Ings had the poise, confidence and skill to lift the ball over Toby Alderweireld and open up the goal.
Gabriel Jesus (MCI) MCI 2-1 EVE
Produced two fantastic finishes and very nearly completed his hat-trick, hammering the ball against the post.
Gerard Deulofeu (WAT) WAT 2-1 WOL
He was the difference between the sides, scoring clinically before teeing up Abdoulaye Doucoure for Watford's second goal.
Manager: Mikel Arteta (ARS) ARS 2-0 MUN
Under their new head coach, Arsenal showed the aggression their fans have been crying out for and their high-energy pressing stopped Man Utd from releasing their pacy forwards. Arteta is changing the mood at the Emirates already.