The match at the Emirates Stadium was each team’s 19th of the season, officially marking the halfway point of their 2025-26 Premier League campaigns. With the win, Arsenal has a five-point lead over second-place Manchester City, who will have the chance to respond on Thursday, Jan. 1 with a visit to Sunderland.

Half chances came and went for Arsenal as they sought a nerve-easing opener, Gyökeres twice heading off target from teasing crosses and Trossard’s tame effort forcing former Gunners goalkeeper Martínez into his first action of the evening. But Villa were proving frustratingly stubborn despite injuries and suspensions in their defence.

Premier League leaders Arsenal host third-place Aston Villa on Tuesday in a vital match in the title race. Unai Emery’s side, who are just three points behind the London club in the table, are in sensational form and a victory at the Emirates Stadium would be their 12th in a row in all competitions.

Being in the Parc des Princes when Villa went ahead against Paris St-Germain in a Champions League quarter-final was a great moment. While the feeling did not last long, the dream, and the realisation that there was an actual possibility of winning the Champions League, did briefly flicker through my mind.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could not hide his joy as he watched his side dismantle red-hot Aston Villa on Tuesday. Villa were on an 11-game winning streak in all competitions and were dangerous in the first half.