Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
This win will likely be one they look back on in May. face Premier LeagueA team in fine form, a team that comes into north London on the back of eight hair-raising spin wins, arsenal Blowing away happy people aston villa A sensational 30-minute four-goal blitz at the Emirates Stadium. To end 2025 with elation on the touchline, Mikel ArtetaThe most important statement yet.
What message does this send to Manchester City? An emphatic one. Arsenal fans have been nervous watching late games in recent weeks, desperate to make this season better than any other, their Premier League season. It was a fitting test of their title credentials under the lights: a team on an 11-game winning streak in all competitions. The most in-form player in the league is Morgan Rogers. Unai Emery’s former manager smells the 24-day double. But they answered the question like champions, whispering softly.
When does Arsenal’s – let’s call it that – incredible set-piece machine run out of energy? Of course not yet. You can take Mickey away all you want from the hand-waving antics of set-piece coach Nicholas Joffe, but the end result was shocking. Corner kicks alone accounted for 17 goals throughout the year. It was the returning Gabriel (how much they missed him), whose fine work in the box showed the former Gunners Emiliano Martinez Two minutes after the break he lofted his catch into the air. From that point on, it was one-way traffic.
Regarding the Brazilian central defender known as “Big Gabi” in the locker room, Arteta said after the game: “He returned from injury for six weeks. It should have been longer, and the opponent was the most difficult team to play against. They created a lot of opportunities.”
“But he affects the game in an unbelievable way, whether it’s in the backfield or in the box.”
It’s hard not to overstate how important the return of Gabriel and William Saliba will be to Arsenal’s chances of winning the title for the first time in 22 years. Ollie Watkins’ late consolation broke an unrivaled record in 90 minutes so far this season: five clean sheets in five games. The Brazilian’s power and bounce in the opposition penalty area can change a game in an instant. We saw this in Arsenal’s four-goal blitz against Atletico Madrid in October and we see it again here.
Martin Zubimendi scored twice shortly after the opener, scoring from a run from deep that you actually associated with the absent Declan Rice, before Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus capped off a brilliant night for the 60,000-strong crowd.
Emery quickly rushed into the tunnel without shaking Arteta’s hand. Regardless of his excuse for feeling “cold” afterwards. Arsenal fans goaded Martinez as he left the field. They will all be hoping to see a five-point lead in the new year with Manchester City, who have a game remaining and are now six points ahead of Villa. They will also be dreaming now about all the gold and confetti five months from now.
From the typical lively pre-game light show, fireworks and pyrotechnics to the early angry roars from the home fans, this always feels like a big moment. At the very least, it will certainly be important in late December, just three weeks after Emi Buendia scored in their last league meeting. A thrilling last minute winner at Villa Parkcausing six Arsenal players to kneel. I won’t repeat it here.
With Rice out with a knee injury, much of the discussion has centered on Watkins’ recent performance following his brace against Chelsea. However, in the 13th minute the England international squandered a great early opportunity when he meekly passed the ball wide after Ezri Konsa’s ideal kick-off – Arsenal’s £64m forward Viktor Gyokeres was robbed on the midfield line.
Joe Kress himself created some good chances in the first half and in an early salvo a tenacious and skilful Villa side not only held their ground but also headed the ball several meters wide. Amadou Onana looked good in the first half but took a knock at half-time and was forced off (a crucial blow for the visitors), while midfielder Rodgers, who has been the standout performer in the league so far, showed his talent. In fact, a sharp turn by Mikel Merino saw the Arsenal midfielder luckily escape a second yellow card from referee Darren England for a cynical retreat.
There were jeers around the stadium at half-time, mixed with frustration at the tactical deadlock and bewildering annoyance at several refereeing calls.
But as it turns out, all they needed was a corner. Two minutes after half-time in Arsenal’s first game, Martinez feebly latched onto a cross and Gabriel – making his first start since November – was the inevitable beneficiary, with the ball eventually slipping off his thigh. The VAR review was quickly dismissed; it was just a goalkeeping error.
Five minutes later, like his goalkeeper, Jadon Sancho looked too weak for a challenge. Martin Odegaard enjoyed his best performance of the season here as he robbed the Villa winger before lovely passing the ball to his midfield partner Zubimendy, who scored ahead of Martinez.
Worse was to come as Villa was shelled and completely lost at sea after a sensational five-minute storm. No substitutions in the second half could save Emery.
With their tails fully up and wagging, Arsenal were now purring and after Odegaard saw his shot deflected Trossard sweetly swept the ball home to make it three points – three points that undoubtedly fell into Arteta’s pocket despite a lengthy VAR review.
Substitute Gabriel Jesus was the icing on the cake, taking his first touch on the pitch and scoring his first goal in almost a year, finishing beautifully before taking off his shirt to reveal a vest that read “I Belong to Jesus”. As if there was any doubt.
Bukayo Saka had two five-point chances and Watkins scored a consolation goal for Villa with a close-range effort after a wild run from Donyell Malen. But it doesn’t matter.
“We are at the top of the league,” they sang from the stands. Regardless of City’s performance against Sunderland on New Year’s Day, they finish top of the table in the midfield period. Maybe this time, 2026 could, or even should, be the year these Arsenal supporters have longed for.