Arsenal Thrash Aston Villa to Extend Premier League Lead

By Francis Onyach - Reporter

Kenya, 31 December 2025 - Arsenal delivered a statement performance in the Premier League on Tuesday night, dismantling Aston Villa 4–1 at the Emirates Stadium to extend their lead at the top of the table and bring Villa’s impressive 11-game unbeaten streak to an emphatic end.

The result strengthens the Gunners’ position in the title race and gives them a five-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City heading into the final week of 2025.

After a tight first half in which Villa looked capable of threatening, Arsenal exploded in the second 45 minutes with four decisive goals that ultimately put the match beyond Villa’s reach.

The scoring opened just three minutes after the break (48’) when Gabriel Magalhaes capitalised on a mistake by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, turning Bukayo Saka’s corner in at close range, a goal that set the tone for the rest of the night.

Arsenal doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute as captain Martin Ødegaard won possession high up the pitch before slipping an incisive pass to Martin Zubimendi, who calmly finished past Martínez to make it 2–0.

The Gunners’ dominance continued when Leandro Trossard fired into the bottom corner in the 69th minute, a beautiful long-range strike that was briefly reviewed by VAR before being confirmed, leaving Villa with a mountain to climb.

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Arsenal’s fourth goal came from the bench: Gabriel Jesus, introduced as a substitute, curled in from the edge of the area in the 78th minute to cap a commanding second-half display and underline his importance as the team heads into 2026.

Villa managed a late consolation goal in stoppage time through Ollie Watkins, but it did little to dampen the home side’s celebrations as the final whistle confirmed their impressive 4–1 victory.

The win moves Arsenal to 45 points from 19 games, leaving them five points clear of Manchester City, who are second after 18 matches. Aston Villa sit in third on 39 points, now six behind the leaders and with hopes of catching up fading as the season enters its crucial phase.

The result not only ends Villa’s remarkable run of form but also sends a strong message to Arsenal’s Premier League rivals that the Gunners remain the team to beat. With momentum on their side and confidence high, Arsenal will be aiming to carry this form into the New Year and beyond.