Paul Merson praises Arsenal’s performance against “suffocated” Aston Villa

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·31 December 2025

Paul Merson praises Arsenal’s performance against “suffocated” Aston Villa

Paul Merson was impressed with Arsenal’s performance against Aston Villa last night as the Gunners claimed an emphatic 4-1 victory. Ahead of the match, much of the discussion centred on Villa’s remarkable run of form, which had seen them win eleven consecutive games. That context shaped expectations and added weight to what was already a significant fixture at the top end of the table.

Arsenal answers the pre-match narrative

Although Arsenal themselves had been winning consistently and sat at the top of the league standings, there was a sense among some observers that they entered the contest as underdogs. Villa’s momentum and confidence meant Arsenal were expected to face a stern test. The Gunners understood that reputation and statistics would count for little unless they delivered on the pitch.

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They did exactly that with a breathtaking display after the interval. Arsenal raised their intensity and quality, overwhelming Villa and bringing their impressive winning run to an abrupt end. The performance not only secured three vital points but also showcased a level of authority that had supporters dreaming about the title. It was a clear statement to their rivals that Arsenal are serious contenders and willing to rise to the biggest challenges.

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

A result that resonates beyond the scoreline

Those watching were struck by how comprehensively Arsenal controlled the contest, particularly during a decisive spell that shifted the momentum irreversibly in their favour. The victory was greeted with obvious delight by players and supporters alike, as it combined both style and substance against one of the league’s most confident sides.

Reflecting on the display, Merson shared his assessment according to the Metro. He said, “It was an outstanding 30 minutes from Arsenal in the second half. They suffocated Aston Villa and made them look pretty average in the end. It’s a massive result for Arsenal. There have been a couple of results where they have just fallen over the line against Wolves and Brighton. They were tight games but up against the most in-form team in country, if not Europe, and Arsenal have dismantled them.”

His words captured the broader significance of the win, highlighting not only the quality of the performance but also how it contrasted with recent narrow victories. Arsenal delivered when it mattered most, reinforcing the belief that they can dominate high-calibre opponents under pressure.

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