Arsenal produced a ruthless second-half performance to thrash Aston Villa 4–1 at the Emirates Stadium, ending the year five points clear at the summit of the Premier League and strengthening belief that this could finally be their title-winning season.
After a tight and cagey first half, Mikel Arteta’s side exploded after the break, scoring four goals to dismantle an Aston Villa team that arrived in north London on an 11-match winning run.
Centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, making his first start since returning from injury in November, broke the deadlock in the 48th minute. The Brazilian bundled home from close range following a trademark Arsenal corner, with Villa players protesting a foul on goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, but the goal was allowed to stand.
The Gunners doubled their advantage soon after when captain Martin Ødegaard pressed aggressively in midfield, won possession, and released Martin Zubimendi, who calmly poked the ball past Martinez to make it 2–0.
Arsenal’s dominance continued as Leandro Trossard added a third, drilling a low shot into the corner from the edge of the area following a lengthy VAR check for offside. Substitute Gabriel Jesus then capped a memorable night by curling a superb effort into the net to make it four.
Ollie Watkins grabbed a late consolation for Villa in stoppage time, tapping in from close range, but it did little to dampen the celebrations among the home supporters.
Unai Emery’s side, missing suspended duo Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara, started well and came close to scoring in the first half through Watkins. Villa attempted to slow the tempo and frustrate Arsenal, but once the hosts found their rhythm after the break, they proved unstoppable.
The victory caps an impressive year for Arsenal, who have now lost just twice in the league this season and sit five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who still have a game in hand. Despite injuries to key players such as Declan Rice, Arteta’s team has continued to grind out results — a hallmark of potential champions.
Gabriel’s return alongside William Saliba at centre-back also provided a timely boost. Arsenal have now won all five league matches this season in which the pair have completed the full game together. Although Gabriel was substituted late on, he walked off unaided, suggesting a precaution rather than injury.
For Villa, this was their first defeat in 12 matches, and while the heavy scoreline will sting, it does little to diminish what has been an excellent campaign so far. Emery’s side remain well placed and may look to strengthen when the January transfer window opens.
As Arsenal supporters dare to dream of ending a 22-year wait for a Premier League title, this emphatic win over one of their closest challengers served as a powerful statement of intent heading into the new year.
