Dominant Arsenal make statement win

The league leaders Arsenal dominated Unai Emery’s Villa last night in spectacular fashion at the Emirates. Emery’s side came into the match on an 11-game winning streak, yet the performance was a complete reversal of what we witnessed just a few weeks ago, and for good reason. The Gunners remain unbeaten in 15 home matches across all competitions this season, conceding just six goals.

What started as a slow half, filled with stagnant goal kicks and throw-ins [stats from the first half] quickly developed into an end-to-end contest, with Villa threatening constantly on the counterattack. Both Watkins and Gyökeres had chances to put their teams ahead on multiple occasions before Gabriel, making his first start since returning from injury, scored from a corner in the 48th minute.

The floodgates opened after Gabriel’s goal. Martin Zubimendi stabbed home Arsenal’s second following a perfectly weighted pass from Martin Ødegaard, who won the ball back in the middle of the pitch. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus both found the net with excellent finishing before Ollie Watkins scored a consolation goal in stoppage time. Despite missing arguably their most important player in Declan Rice, Arteta’s men ran amok in the second half and once again showed what they are capable of against the league’s best.

Arsenal moving forward

Arsenal cement themselves at the top of the Premier League with 45 points, extending the gap between themselves and both Villa on 39 points and Manchester City on 40, who play Sunderland on Thursday. Gabriel Jesus’ work rate and goal on the night showed that he is close to reclaiming a regular starting role. Jesus’ last goal for Arsenal came on January 1, 2025. It feels fitting that he capped off an injury-stricken 11 months with a goal on the eve of the new year.

Selection questions remain for Arteta

Despite the victory, Arsenal fans found themselves questioning Arteta’s team selection before kickoff. Young star Ethan Nwaneri was not even named on the bench, with some supporters believing a January loan could be on the cards. Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Eberechi Eze were all unused substitutes against Villa, a luxury afforded to the manager by his team’s performance on the night.

Arteta now faces a selection headache, with three striker options who all offer different qualities, particularly in the case of Gabriel Jesus. With Jesus fit to start and Havertz nearing full fitness, the question now is who Mikel Arteta will choose to lead the line against Bournemouth on Saturday.