Arsenal’s dominant win over Aston Villa allows the Gunners to conclude the year with a five-point lead at the top, igniting hopes among their fans that this could finally be the season they break their 22-year title drought in the Premier League.
Aston Villa came to the Emirates with a chance to equal the Gunners on points if they secured a victory, but the home team demonstrated why they are considered favorites for the championship.
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Despite not playing at their best throughout December, Arsenal has showcased the resilience of potential champions by consistently finding ways to secure victories.
Injuries to key players have forced manager Mikel Arteta to make some creative decisions with his lineup—most notably, he was without Declan Rice for this match due to a minor injury.
Nevertheless, he was able to rely on Gabriel, arguably Arsenal’s most vital player, whose presence in defense instills confidence and whose threat during set-pieces adds significant value to the team’s attack.
This match marked the first time since November 8 that Gabriel started alongside William Saliba in the Premier League; the Gunners have won all five league matches this season when both players have completed the full 90 minutes.
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A minor concern arose when Gabriel was substituted in the 77th minute for Myles Lewis-Skelly, but he exited the pitch unaided, suggesting it was a precautionary measure.
Having finished second for three consecutive seasons, Arsenal’s experience from those near-misses, combined with the return of injured players, could make 2026 a memorable year for the club in North London.