Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points with a clinical 4-1 thrashing of third-placed Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal moved five points clear at the summit of the Premier League following a devastating second-half display that secured a 4-1 victory over Aston Villa.
After a tightly contested opening period, the Gunners broke the deadlock in the 48th minute when Gabriel bundled home a Bukayo Saka corner.
The momentum shifted instantly as Martin Zubimendi doubled the advantage just four minutes later, finishing “clinically from Martin Odegaard’s precise through-ball” to stun the traveling supporters.
The onslaught continued as Leandro Trossard extended the lead with a spectacular first-time strike from the edge of the area.
Mikel Arteta’s tactical substitutions paid immediate dividends when Gabriel Jesus added a fourth goal less than a minute after entering the fray.
This rampant performance effectively dismantled an Aston Villa side that had arrived at the Emirates Stadium on the back of an impressive 11-game winning streak in all competitions.
Despite the heavy deficit, Aston Villa managed a late consolation through Ollie Watkins in stoppage time.
The visitors had earlier seen a golden opportunity denied by a sensational David Raya save from John McGinn, but they were ultimately outclassed by the league leaders.
The result leaves Villa six points adrift of the Gunners in third place, while Arsenal solidify their status as title favorites heading into the new year.