Arsenal crush Villa to make statement in title race

Mikel Arteta's side were gifted the lead at the Emirates Stadium when Martinez made a hash of catching a corner and Gabriel Magalhaes bundled home. The Gunners struck again through Martin Zubimendi before Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus rubbed salt into Villa's wounds with clinical finishes. Arsenal's ruthless display served as a significant statement of intent in a tense title race. They end 2025 with a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, who travel to Sunderland on Thursday.