Arsenal overpower Villa with emphatic win to assert title ambitions

Arsenal capitalised on a glaring error by Aston Villa stopper Emiliano Martinez as the Premier League frontrunners dominated the second period to secure a resounding 4-1 victory against their championship challengers on Tuesday.

Mikel Artetas team took an early advantage at the Emirates Stadium after Martinez fumbled a corner kick allowing Gabriel Magalhaes to force the ball over the line.

The Gunners added to their tally via Martin Zubimendi followed by sharp strikes from Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus that deepened Villas misery.

This commanding performance from Arsenal acted as a clear declaration of their resolve in the tightly contested title chase.

They close out 2025 holding a five point advantage over Manchester City in second who face Sunderland on Thursday.

Having triumphed in four of their previous five league fixtures Arsenal pursue their first English crown since 2004 having placed second in the prior three campaigns.

They anticipate some assistance from Sunderland versus City prior to their next outing at Bournemouth on Saturday.

Villa in third who previously defeated Arsenal 2-1 at home on December 6 now sit six points adrift following this sobering setback that questions their championship aspirations.

Unai Emerys squad travelled to north London vying for a first league title since 1981 having overcome Chelsea 2-1 at the weekend to match their club best of 11 consecutive victories.

However bolstered by Martinezs mishap Arsenal halted their surge with a strong showing that handed Villa their initial loss since the November 1 reverse against Liverpool.

Positive highlight

Arsenal playmaker Declan Rice sat out unexpectedly due to a knee problem picked up in the recent victory over Brighton becoming the newest addition to a year marred by injury woes.

Yet Gabriel and Jurrien Timber returned from knocks providing Arsenal with greater stability after defensive lapses in recent matches.

Ollie Watkins missed a golden opportunity to put Villa ahead from Ezri Konsas delivery as the England forward sliced his effort wide from close range.

Villa troubled Arsenal repeatedly on counter attacks but failed to convert as Watkins again bent his shot astray after a swift break.

Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokores wasted a pair of solid headers in the opening half prolonging his challenging first year and the hosts grew impatient as Martinez delayed goal kicks to disrupt the rhythm.

Nonetheless they got even with the keeper transforming the momentum just after the interval in the 48th minute.

Arsenals expertise from dead balls paid off again with Gabriel challenging Martinez at the corner leading to a feeble grab by the goalkeeper that saw the ball trickle into the goal off the centre back.

The score stood after VAR scrutiny for any infringement on Martinez and Arsenal rode the surge to extend their lead four minutes on.

Martin Odegaard initiated a vigorous press to regain the ball and his precise pass pierced Villas backline enabling Zubimendi to finish coolly beyond Martinez from 12 yards.

Trossard sealed the outcome in the 69th minute rifling in from distance after Odegaards delivery exposed Villas fragile rearguard.

Jesus provided the evenings uplifting finish in the 78th minute.

Returning from nearly a year sidelined by a knee issue the Brazilian accepted Trossards lay off and bent his shot around Martinez from 18 yards.

Jesus initial goal of the year brought broad grins to Arteta while Watkins late consolation from near the line failed to dim Arsenals enjoyment of their assertive triumph.