Arsenal ended 2025 with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Unai Emery’s Aston Villa at the Emirates. The visitors had defeated the Gunners few weeks ago and were poised to make it a 12th consecutive win in all competitions, but Arteta’s army held on and took all 3 points from the game.

Prior to the game, fans were worried with the information that Rice, Calafiori and Timber would miss the game. Rice has been Arsenal’s Mr. Consistent, playing Villa without him was worrisome. Yet, Arsenal ensured victory was secured. The big news was that of Gabriel making the starting XI with Kai Havertz on the bench for the first time in a while.

XI: Raya, Timber (White 83′), Saliba, Gabriel (Lewis-Skelly 77′), Hincapie, Zubimendi, Merino (Norgaard 73′), Odegaard, Saka (Madueke 83′), Gyokeres (G. Jesus 77′), Trossard.
Unused Subs: Arrizabalaga, Havertz, Eze, Martinelli

The first half was evenly balanced with Amadou Onana causing problems for the Gunners. Mikel Merino got booked for a foul against Onana. Onana’s absence in the second half aided Arsenal’s increased momentum in the second half with all 4 goals coming in the half. Viktor Gyokeres got 2 headers off target, the 2nd of which was a sublime move for the Swede. It was a better game from the point man who is hoping to increase his tally for the Gunners.

Arsenal’s first corner resulted in the opener. Saka’s cross was not handled properly by Emi Martinez as the ball was bounded home by Gabriel. It was inevitable. Minutes later, Odegaard pressed out a pass and found Zubimendi in the box for the 2nd of the game. Trossard made it 3, curling into the bottom right corner with the goalkeeper rooted. Gabriel Jesus made it 4 with a sublime finish, his first in 364 days for Arsenal. It was poetic.

In previous games, the Gunners have had to endure nervy ends to the game but with 4-0 up, it was joy to behold. Raya denied McGinn a goal with an impossible save but Watkins eventually got a consolation in added time.

There was a small matter of Emery rushing off down the tunnel without the traditional handshake with Arteta, but the Arsenal manager waved it off in the press conference. It was a statement win for the Gunners, ensuring that City’s result today won’t matter. Arsenal would finish 2025 at the top of the table and would hope to finish the season at the top of the table.

Next: Bournemouth vs Arsenal. Will Semenyo still be a Cherry by 03-Jan?

photo credit: Arsenal, X