Arsenal beat Aston Villa with great second half play
Arsenal ended 2025 with a true statement of their title-winning intentions as Mikel Arteta’s side extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a convincing 4-1 victory over in-form Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.
The Villans, aiming for a club-record 12th consecutive win, had the best chance to come back goalless in the first half, but Ollie Watkins went wide of the near post.
The home side took the lead in the second period as Victor Goqueres’ header went off target twice, but Gabriel broke the deadlock in the 48th minute when Emiliano Martinez’s shot was met by Bukayo Saka’s corner kick.
Martin Zvimendi added a second goal after just four minutes with a brilliant move, and from that moment there was no doubt about the result.
Arsenal created a flurry of chances and scored their third goal in the build-up to Leandro Trossard’s goal in the 69th minute when a VAR check ruled there was no offside.
The Gunners then added a fourth goal with substitute Gabriel Jesus curling a delicious shot into the corner, before Watkins scored in stoppage time.
The result leaves the Gunners five points behind second-placed Manchester City, who visit Sunderland on New Year’s Day.
Villa’s impressive winning streak, which equals a club record, has come to an end and they sit in third place, six points off the top.
Arsenal next face Bournemouth on Saturday, while Villa face Nottingham Forest.
