'We know what we want': Arteta eyes title after Arsenal thrash Villa

Mikel Arteta cautioned Arsenals title challengers that their commanding 4-1 victory against Aston Villa highlights their path to securing the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.

Artetas team delivered a powerful message in the title contest through their second half onslaught that demolished Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

A critical error by Villas goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez triggered the scoring spree as his inability to secure a corner let Gabriel Magalhaes force the ball over the line.

Martin Zubimendi soon made it two before Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus added sharp finishes to seal the comprehensive win.

Ollie Watkins late goal offered little comfort to the inferior Villa side who suffered for not converting their initial half superiority into points.

Following defeats at Villa and Liverpool plus draws versus Manchester City and Chelsea this term Arsenal now boast a key win in their pursuit of the championship.

Arteta described the outcome as evidence that Arsenal possess the necessary attributes to claim the Premier League prize following three straight seasons as runners up.

"Well it has been a great 2025 on a personal and professional level. The way these guys the club and the staff make me enjoy my work every single day is brilliant," Arteta said. 

"In 2026 we know what we want. We will have to work really hard for it every single day but I think we are on the right tracks for it."

Arsenal conclude 2025 five points ahead of second placed Manchester City who face their postponed fixture against Sunderland on Thursday while third placed Villa trail the top by six points.

Halting Villas equal club record 11 game winning streak proved satisfying for Arteta after the earlier December agony of Emiliano Buendias injury time strike for Unai Emerys squad.

Really meticulous

"It is a beautiful evening. That was a very tough match as we knew it would be because they are a top opponent,"  said Arteta.

"The first 10 minutes were a bit shaky and we had to adjust things. After that we grabbed the game and we were creating the chances.

"The way we started the second half was amazing. We really turned things up and were efficient in everything that we did. 

"We had to be really meticulous. It's a big credit to my players because against this team it isn't easy."

After a run of narrow one goal triumphs recently this performance showcased the bold style that reveals Arsenals immense capabilities.

"We needed scrappy goals to win other games but today the quality of our finishing was top and made the difference," Arteta said.

Highlighting Brazilian defender Gabriels role on his return to the starting lineup after a November injury Arteta noted: "We saw it today. He came back after six weeks out and composed himself against one of the best strikers in the league in Ollie Watkins. I thought he was tremendous."

Arteta and Emery skipped the post match handshake with the Villa manager stating his counterpart was occupied with celebrations and unavailable.

"When I finish the match I am always waiting to shake hands with another coach but he was with his coaches and I can't wait for him. Of course I was there but no problem. I went to my dressing room," Emery said.

Arteta brushed aside the episode remarking: "Sometimes we are in this sort of moment so it's not an issue for me."

Emery lamented Martinezs blunder and an injury to Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana which he believed shifted the games flow.

"The first goal how they scored it maybe could be foul but here in England it is more difficult because the referees let you touch the keepers," he said.

"That changed everything. After Onana's injury we lost everything in the middle. Arsenal have the power they showed. That is football."