Category: Soccer

Arsenal moved five points clear at the summit of the Premier League after a dominant second-half performance swept aside Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium, bringing the visitors’ eight-match league winning streak to an emphatic end. Villa, managed by former Arsenal boss Unai Emery, threatened to spoil the party early on and looked the sharper side before the interval. A win would have pulled them level on points with the Gunners, and their energy in midfield caused problems, particularly with Declan Rice absent. Morgan Rogers and Amadou Onana repeatedly found space through the centre as Arsenal took time to settle. Clear chances were scarce in the opening half, but the match shifted dramatically after the restart as Mikel Arteta’s side turned on the style. The breakthrough came when Gabriel reacted quickest from a corner, bundling the ball home after Emiliano Martínez failed to command his six-yard box. The Emirates erupted again moments later as Martin Ødegaard slid a precise pass into the path of Martin Zubimendi, who arrived perfectly to poke in Arsenal’s second. With Villa reeling, Arsenal pressed harder. Leandro Trossard made it three with a composed finish from the edge of the area, before substitute Gabriel Jesus added a fourth almost immediately after coming on, smashing in with his first meaningful touch. The goal marked Jesus’ first since January and underlined Arsenal’s growing attacking depth. Kai Havertz’s return to the bench after a lengthy absence further boosted the home side, while their defensive resilience remained intact deep into the contest. David Raya produced a stunning late save to deny John McGinn from point-blank range, though Villa eventually grabbed a consolation when Ollie Watkins scored from close range after Donyell Malen struck the post. The result capped a statement performance from Arsenal, who head toward the new year with momentum, firepower and a firm grip on the title race.