Facing an opponent on an eleven-match winning streak, Arsenal encountered difficulties in the first half, taking seven shots but only one on target, with an expected goals (xG) metric of 0,57. However, the 'Gunners' underwent a complete transformation in the second half.

Just three minutes after the break, Arsenal opened the scoring from a corner kick, with center-back Gabriel Magalhaes making the final touch. The hosts then consistently increased pressure, scoring three more goals through Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus, respectively. Aston Villa's late efforts only resulted in a single goal, an open-net tap-in by Ollie Watkins in the fourth minute of injury time.

"Those were 30 excellent second-half minutes from Arsenal", Merson, a former Arsenal midfielder from 1985-1997, commented on Sky Sports. "They suffocated Aston Villa, making them look very ordinary. This was an important victory."

Leandro Trossard celebrates scoring to make it 3-0 during Arsenal's 4-1 victory over Aston Villa in Premier League round 19 at Emirates Stadium, London, England on 30/12/2025. Photo: *Reuters*

This victory marked the largest margin in a Premier League match between two teams starting the round in the top 3, since Manchester City's 4-1 win over Arsenal in 4/2023. Mikel Arteta's squad halted Aston Villa's winning streak and solidified their top position with 45 points, extending their lead to five points over Manchester City, who will visit newly promoted Sunderland on 1/1.

"This round, if Arsenal had drawn and Manchester City won, they would have lost the top spot", Merson added. "But now Arsenal has created a five-point gap and improved their goal difference – a crucial factor in a tight race. Looking at their remaining fixtures, I don't know who can stop them. I think Arsenal will win the league quite easily."

Similarly, Jamie Carragher believes the result at Emirates could be a turning point in the title race. "This is a significant victory in every aspect: the quality of the opponent, how Arsenal scored, and the absence of anxiety at Emirates Stadium. Psychologically, it's worth more than three points", said the former England defender.

Carragher also highlighted the role of Gabriel Magalhaes, the center-back who returned to the starting lineup after more than one month out with injury and immediately made a difference with the opening goal.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus, the striker who extended the lead to 4-0 with a curling shot from outside the box, attributed the decisive factor to fighting spirit. "Aston Villa is always a difficult opponent", he stated. "They came here and tried to make it hard for us. But in the end, we won due to our character."

On 3/1, Arsenal will visit Bournemouth in Premier League round 20.

Hong Duy (according to Sky Sports)