Arsenal scored four second-half goals to comprehensively defeat Aston Villa 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium and end the year five points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Centre-back Gabriel Magalhães, making his first start since recovering from injury in November, bundled in the opener from a corner in the 48th minute despite Villa protests for a foul on goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
Captain Martin Ødegaard then won possession in midfield before delivering an excellent pass to Martín Zubimendi, who poked home Arsenal’s second in the 52nd minute. Leandro Trossard slammed in a third from the edge of the area in the 69th minute after a lengthy VAR check for offside, before substitute Gabriel Jesus curled in a fourth from distance in the 78th minute. Ollie Watkins tapped in a stoppage-time consolation for Villa.
The victory was a statement win for Arsenal against a Villa side that had arrived on an 11-match winning streak, including a 2-1 victory over the Gunners 24 days earlier. Unai Emery’s side, missing Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara through suspension, attempted to frustrate Arsenal by slowing the tempo but could not contain Mikel Arteta’s hosts in the second half.
The win extends Arsenal’s impressive form in a season where they have lost just twice in the league, and they now hold a five-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City, who face Sunderland on New Year’s Day. Gabriel’s return alongside William Saliba at centre-back proved crucial, with Arsenal having won all five Premier League matches this season when both have played the full game.