London, Jan 1: Arsenal ensured it will end the year top of the Premier League after beating Aston Villa 4-1 at home in a powerful statement win with all goals scored in the second half.The fourth goal, scored by substitute Gabriel Jesus one minute after coming on, highlighted the depth of Arsenal’s bench this season and coach Mikel Arteta jubilantly high-fived his assistants at the final whistle.
Victory moved Arsenal five points ahead of Manchester City, which plays at Sunderland on New Year’s Day, and six points clear of third-place Villa.
“It is a beautiful evening. That was a very tough match, as we knew it would be, because they are a top opponent to play against,” Arteta told broadcaster Sky Sports.
“The way we started the second half was amazing, we really turned things up and were efficient in everything that we did.”
Arsenal has not won the Premier League since 2004 and the pressure is on Arteta to deliver.
“In 2026, we know what we want,” Arteta said.
Villa manager Unai Emery later defended his decision not to shake Arteta’s hand at the end of the game by saying it was “cold” at the Emirates.
“Always my routine is go to the opposition coach, shake hands and go inside,” the former Arsenal manager told Sky Sports. “If he is not doing the same rule, I can’t wait … it was cold.”
Elsewhere, Chelsea drew 2-2 at home to Bournemouth; Newcastle won 3-1 at lowly Burnley; and Manchester United was held 1-1 at home to rock-bottom Wolverhampton.
Struggling West Ham drew 2-2 with visiting Brighton, and Everton won 2-0 at Nottingham Forest.