Arsenal produced a dominant display in the latter period to overcome Aston Villa and strengthen their position at the summit of the Premier League table. After a goalless first half in north London, Gabriel Magalhaes—returning to the starting line-up for the first time since November—forced the ball over the line from a set-piece shortly after the restart. Despite complaints from the visiting players regarding contact with Emi Martinez, the decision stood.
Arsenal produced a dominant display in the latter period to overcome Aston Villa and strengthen their position at the summit of the Premier League table. After a goalless first half in north London, Gabriel Magalhaes—returning to the starting line-up for the first time since November—forced the ball over the line from a set-piece shortly after the restart. Despite complaints from the visiting players regarding contact with Emi Martinez, the decision stood.
The margin grew when Martin Ødegaard pressed aggressively, regained possession in midfield, and threaded a clever ball to Martin Zubimendi, who tucked his finish beyond the Villa goalkeeper. Arsenal’s momentum continued as Leandro Trossard struck low from distance, with VAR taking time to confirm he was onside before awarding the goal.
Substitute Gabriel Jesus added further gloss to the scoreline by curling in a fine effort from the edge of the area. Ollie Watkins claimed a late reply in added time, but it proved irrelevant as the hosts cruised to victory. Though Unai Emery departed straight for the dressing rooms without greeting Mikel Arteta, both managers later insisted there was no tension.
Villa arrived on the back of 11 straight wins—one of which was a 2-1 victory over these same opponents just 24 days previously—and nearly struck first when Watkins went close early on. Missing Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara through suspension, the away side attempted to limit Arsenal’s tempo and frustrate the league leaders but ultimately had no answer to the second-half onslaught.
This emphatic performance ensures Arsenal conclude the calendar year with a five-point cushion at the top. The result fuels optimism among supporters hoping the long wait for a league crown, which dates back more than two decades, will finally end. Villa could have pulled level with a win but instead saw the gap widen as Arsenal showcased why many consider them favourites for the trophy.
Although December has seen Arsenal grind out results rather than shine, their resilience has kept them in front. Injuries have forced tactical tweaks throughout the month, and Declan Rice was absent here with a minor issue. Still, Gabriel’s influence was decisive at both ends—assertive in defence and effective at dead-ball situations.
His partnership with William Saliba resumed in the league for the first time since early November, and Arsenal have now won every match in which the pair have completed the full 90 minutes this season. The Brazilian centre-half was replaced late on by Myles Lewis-Skelly but walked off comfortably, suggesting the substitution was merely preventative.
Having finished as runners-up three years in a row, Arsenal appear more prepared for a title fight. With players returning and confidence rising, hope is building that 2026 could bring long-awaited silverware to the Emirates.
For Emery, the disappointment comes not from losing ground altogether, but from the nature of the collapse after a promising start. Watkins’ early opportunity could have altered the contest, and Villa’s first-half display at times stifled Arsenal. However, the defence lost cohesion as pressure mounted after the interval.
This setback marks Villa’s first defeat in 12 matches, though the campaign remains a resounding success to this point. Sitting within reach of the leaders and six points off top spot by year’s end would have seemed an attractive scenario several months ago.
With key players absent and the transfer window about to open, reinforcements may be considered to maintain momentum. One defeat does not erase the progress made, and the Midlands side are still positioned to challenge near the top heading into the second half of the season.
