Arsenal surge clear as second half blitz sinks Aston Villa | OneFootball

Arsenal overwhelm Aston Villa to surge clear at summit

Arsenal closed out the year in commanding fashion, striking four times after the interval to overpower Aston Villa and move five points clear at the top of the Premier League. At Emirates Stadium, this was a performance of authority and conviction, the sort that fuels belief in north London that a long wait may finally be nearing its end.

Villa arrived in fine form and with memories still fresh of a 2-1 victory over Arsenal less than a month earlier. For a half, Unai Emery’s side looked capable of repeating the feat. After the break, however, the contest tilted decisively.

Set-piece strength sets tone

The breakthrough came in the 48th minute and carried a familiar feel. Gabriel Magalhaes, restored to the starting line-up after injury, bundled home from a corner to give Arsenal the lead. Villa’s appeals for a foul on Emi Martinez were waved away and the goal stood, underlining how dangerous Arsenal remain from dead-ball situations.

From there, Arsenal’s confidence grew. Martin Odegaard snapped into a challenge in midfield, won possession, and immediately threaded a precise pass to Martin Zubimendi, who poked calmly beyond Martinez. The Emirates sensed Villa wobbling and Arsenal pressed their advantage.

Attacking depth overwhelms Villa

Leandro Trossard added a third, driving a low finish from the edge of the area after a prolonged VAR check for offside. By then, the resistance had largely gone. Substitute Gabriel Jesus completed the rout with a curling strike, before Ollie Watkins tapped in late on to give Aston Villa a consolation goal that scarcely altered the narrative.

Villa’s 11-match winning run came to an end in emphatic fashion. Missing Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara through suspension, Emery’s side had attempted to slow the tempo and frustrate the hosts, but Arsenal’s second-half intensity proved too much.

Title signs as year ends on high

Arsenal have now lost just twice in the league this season and end the year firmly in control, with second-placed Manchester City still to play. Injuries have tested Mikel Arteta’s squad, Declan Rice among those absent here, yet adaptability has become a strength rather than a weakness.

The return of Gabriel alongside William Saliba remains significant. Arsenal have won every league match this season when the pair have completed the full game together, their understanding bringing composure in defence and menace at set-pieces. Gabriel’s substitution late on appeared precautionary rather than concerning.

With experience gained from three consecutive second-place finishes, momentum building, and key players returning, this felt like more than just another win. It felt like a statement.