Premier League leaders Arsenal slammed the door as he blamed Aston Villa for a 4-1 home draw against Unai Emery’s side on Tuesday, leaving them at the top of the table going into the new year.
Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes and Martin Zubimendi early in the second half put Arsenal in control of a match that looked fraught with danger against a Villa side on an 11-match winning streak.
Defender Gabriel provided the opener from a corner in the 48th minute before Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard slid a pass to Zubimendi to score four minutes later.
Arsenal secured the points when Leandro Trossard fired home from the edge of the penalty area before Gabriel Jesus came off the bench to score the fourth.
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Ollie Watkins scored a consolation goal for Villa in stoppage time.
Arsenal are five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who can close the gap when they go to Sunderland on Thursday.
Villa, who will be disappointed not to take the lead in an impressive first half, remained in third place, six points behind Arsenal after their first defeat in almost two months.
Published on December 31, 2025
