Arsenal netted four goals in the second half, overpowering Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium to finish the year five points ahead in the Premier League.
Centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, starting for the first time since his injury recovery in November, scrambled the ball in from a typical corner in the 48th minute to put Arsenal ahead, and despite the Villa players’ protests for a foul on their goalkeeper Emi Martinez, the goal was upheld.
The Gunners then increased their advantage when captain Martin Odegaard regained possession in midfield and delivered a superb pass to Martin Zubimendi, who slotted it past Martinez.
Leandro Trossard scored a third by driving a low shot into the net from the edge of the box, following an extensive offside review by the video assistant referee (VAR).
And replacement Gabriel Jesus made it an unforgettable evening for the Gunners when he bent a shot in from the edge of the box, prior to Ollie Watkins slotting one in from a short distance during stoppage time to provide Aston Villa with a consolation goal.
Villa entered this match on an 11-game winning streak that featured a 2-1 triumph against the Gunners 24 days prior, but even though they began strongly and nearly scored through Watkins, they were unable to get ahead.
Unai Emery’s team, missing Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara due to suspensions, approached the match with a clear strategy to reduce the game’s pace and aimed to frustrate Arsenal but ultimately could not prevent Mikel Arteta’s squad from securing an impressive victory.
The win caps off a fantastic year for the Gunners, who have only been defeated twice in the league this season, as they extend their lead to five points ahead of Manchester City’s game against Sunderland on New Year’s Day (20:00 GMT).
Arsenal’s domination over Aston Villa sees the Gunners finishing the year five points ahead, with fans optimistic that this could be the season they conclude their 22-year quest for a Premier League title.
Aston Villa reached the Emirates with the opportunity to equal the Gunners on points if they could defeat Arteta’s team, but the hosts demonstrated why they are considered favorites to claim the league title.
During December, Arsenal hasn’t performed at their peak yet, but true to the nature of potential champions, they have managed to secure victories.
Injuries to important players have forced Arteta to be inventive with his choices at times—in this game, he was missing Declan Rice, who was sidelined due to a minor injury.
Nonetheless, he can rely on arguably Arsenal’s key player in Gabriel, whose influence in defense provides stability to the Gunners’ backline, and his danger from set pieces serves as a vital asset.
Gabriel was beginning alongside William Saliba at center-back in the Premier League for the first time since November 8, and Arsenal has triumphed in all five league games this season when both have completed the entire match.
The only worry will be that Gabriel was taken off in the 77th minute for Myles Lewis-Skelly, but as he left the field on his own, it seemed like a precaution.
Arsenal has placed second for three consecutive seasons, but with the lessons learned from those title pursuits and players coming back from injuries, 2026 might be an unforgettable year in north London.
If Villa’s manager Emery had been given the opportunity to be six points behind the leaders by the end of 2025, he would probably have accepted it with gratitude.
Villa have performed outstandingly this season, and while this match marks their first loss in 12, the way they lost will hurt for Emery.
His team delivered an almost flawless first-half performance on the road, and had Watkins capitalized on his opportunity to put Villa ahead, the outcome could have been different.
The goals allowed in the second half will be worrying, as the Villa defense became disorganized while Arsenal attacked, but the loss does not diminish the impressive streak they have had.
Similar to Arsenal, Aston Villa is also lacking important players in their starting lineup, and with the January transfer window set to open on Thursday and Villa in a strong position, Emery will probably be eager for additional support.
Arsenal’s next match is against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, 3 January (17:30 GMT).
Aston Villa welcomes Nottingham Forest on the same day for the early match (12:30).
