Mikel Arteta’s side finished 2025 in sensational style on Tuesday night, ending Aston Villa's remarkable eleven-match winning streak with a clinical second-half display.
After a tense and goalless first forty-five minutes, the Gunners exploded into life shortly after the interval.
The breakthrough arrived in the 48th minute when Gabriel Magalhaes capitalised on a rare error from former Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, bundling the ball home from a Bukayo Saka corner.
The momentum shifted entirely toward the hosts, and they doubled their advantage just four minutes later.
Martin Odegaard, who was the architect of much of Arsenal’s creativity, won possession high up the pitch before sliding a perfectly weighted pass to Martin Zubimendi, who finished with composure.
Despite Villa’s attempts to find a way back into the contest, Arsenal remained relentless.
Leandro Trossard added a third in the 69th minute with a strike from the edge of the area that survived a VAR review for offside.
The scoring was rounded off by substitute Gabriel Jesus, who found the net only a minute after being introduced from the bench, highlighting the impressive depth available to Arteta.
Although Ollie Watkins grabbed a late consolation goal for the visitors in stoppage time, it did little to dampen the celebrations in North London.
The victory moves Arsenal to forty-five points, putting significant pressure on Manchester City and Liverpool as the title race intensifies heading into 2026.
For Unai Emery, the defeat was a harsh reality check after a historic run of form, though Villa remain firmly in the hunt for a Champions League spot as they sit six points behind the leaders in third place.
