Arsenal delivered a powerful statement in the Premier League title race on Tuesday night, dismantling Aston Villa 4–1 at the Emirates Stadium to open up a five-point lead at the top of the table.
The emphatic victory ended Villa’s remarkable 11-game winning streak and dealt a major blow to their hopes of claiming a first league title since 1981, as Mikel Arteta’s side turned on the style in a dominant second-half display.
After a cagey opening period, Arsenal seized control shortly after the restart, capitalising on a costly error from Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The Argentine failed to deal with a corner in the 48th minute, allowing Gabriel Magalhães to bundle the ball into the net and hand the hosts the lead.
Buoyed by the breakthrough, the Gunners doubled their advantage just four minutes later. A high press led by captain Martin Ødegaard forced a turnover, and his perfectly timed pass released Martin Zubimendi, who calmly slotted past Martinez to make it 2–0.
Arsenal continued to pile on the pressure, and their dominance was rewarded again in the 69th minute when Leandro Trossard fired home from the edge of the box after Ødegaard’s cross unsettled the Villa defence.
The night was capped with an emotional moment in the 78th minute as Gabriel Jesus marked his return from a long-term knee injury with a superb goal. The Brazilian forward curled a fine finish beyond Martinez from 18 yards, netting his first goal since January 1 and drawing broad smiles from Arteta on the touchline.
Villa managed a late consolation through Ollie Watkins in stoppage time, but it did little to dampen the mood inside the Emirates as Arsenal celebrated a resounding victory.
The win sees Arsenal end 2025 in commanding form, five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who have a game ahead against Sunderland on Thursday. The Gunners, now winners of four of their last five league matches, are firmly chasing their first Premier League title since 2004 after finishing runners-up for the past three seasons.
For Aston Villa, who had arrived in north London full of confidence after equalling a club record 11 consecutive wins, the defeat served as a sobering reality check. Unai Emery’s side now sit six points behind the leaders and will look to regroup after suffering their first league loss since November 1.
Arsenal return to action away at Bournemouth on Saturday, hopeful that results elsewhere will further strengthen their grip on the title race.
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