‘Statement win’ – Merson predicts easy title triumph for Arsenal after crushing Villa
Paul Merson is confident that Arsenal will secure the Premier League title comfortably after they overpowered a strong Aston Villa side with a commanding 4-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners, missing injured player Declan Rice, netted four times during a dominant second-half performance, putting an end to Villa’s impressive 11-match winning streak that had equaled their club record. “It seemed like more than just three points, psychologically,” remarked Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher.
After clinching narrow wins against Wolves, Everton, and Brighton in their last three matches, Arsenal did not showcase their usual style in the first half against Villa, where the anxiety of a 22-year title drought seemed to weigh heavily. However, they surged back after halftime with a display that will alert Manchester City prior to their match against Sunderland on New Year’s Day, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports (kick-off 8pm). “The second half was an incredible 30 minutes from Arsenal,” Merson stated on Soccer Special. “They completely subdued Aston Villa and ultimately made them look quite ordinary. It’s a significant result for Arsenal. They had a few recent matches where they just barely got through against Wolves and Brighton. Those were tight matches, but facing the best team in the country, if not all of Europe, Arsenal have taken them apart.”
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Arsenal’s match against Aston Villa in the Premier League
He continued, “With the previous lead being only two points, a draw against Villa combined with a Man City win on New Year’s Day could see Pep Guardiola’s team take the lead. But now, they have a five-point advantage and three extra goals, which is crucial given the tight competition. Considering Arsenal’s record in away games already played and this result against Villa, I struggle to see who can stop them. They face all the major teams except Man City at home, and with performances like that, it’s tough to envision them being halted. I believe they will win the Premier League quite effortlessly.” It was a defining result, and Manchester City will definitely have been paying attention, likely thinking “wow” after witnessing that from Arsenal.”
Carra: More than three points for Arsenal
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher:
“It’s a massive result in numerous ways. The quality of the opponent, it’s the first instance this season where Arsenal have beaten a genuine rival, scoring goals and ensuring the crowd’s nerves were calmed in the end.
“Arsenal really needed that!
“It felt more significant than just three points, psychologically. The atmosphere at the training ground tomorrow will feel entirely different.
“Gabriel’s return is monumental. I’ve previously claimed he is the most influential player in the Premier League, and we witnessed it again tonight.
“It was fantastic for everyone in that stadium tonight.”
Jesus: We won because of mentality
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Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring their side’s fourth goal
After a goalless first half, the home team took the lead just three minutes into the second half when Emiliano Martinez mishandled Bukayo Saka’s corner, letting the ball roll in off Gabriel’s thigh. Arsenal increased their lead in the 52nd minute when Martin Zubimendi struck after Martin Odegaard’s superb pass sliced through the defense, and Leandro Trossard scored from long range in the 69th minute, effectively sealing Villa’s fate. Gabriel Jesus then scored his first goal since New Year’s Day shortly after coming on as a substitute before Ollie Watkins netted a consolation goal for the visitors during injury time.
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Gabriel Jesus comes off the bench to net Arsenal’s fourth against Aston Villa in the Premier League
The resounding victory served as an ideal morale booster for Mikel Arteta’s squad against a team that had handed them a stoppage-time 2-1 defeat at Villa Park just 24 days prior. “It was fantastic,” Jesus remarked to Sky Sports. “It’s always tough to face Villa. They come here attempting to exploit our weaknesses. At the start, you could sense they were aiming to stall the game. Ultimately, we won because of our mentality.”
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Leandro Trossard’s stunner makes it three for Arsenal against Aston Villa in the Premier League
Arteta delighted with ‘prolific’ Arsenal”I’m extremely pleased,” Gunners manager Mikel Arteta said regarding his team’s impressive performance. “We play every three days, and today we faced an opponent that had won 11 games in a row. They are an exceptional team, very challenging to contend with, and we were aware that we would experience difficult phases throughout the match.
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Martin Zubimendi’s ‘ruthless’ finish doubles Arsenal’s lead against Aston Villa in the Premier League
“We discussed the emotional demands it would entail, and we struggled during the first 10 minutes. Then we adapted and regained some control. We were unable to score initially, but in the second half, everything fell into place. We competed much better for every element. The timing improved, and individual goals were executed exceptionally well; we were incredibly efficient in everything we undertook. Unlike in recent matches where we had numerous significant opportunities, today we were very effective and precise in making the difference.”
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Gabriel converts an Arsenal corner on his return after injury against Aston Villa in the Premier League
‘Arsenal enhance title credentials with statement win’
Sky Sports’ Nick Wright at the Emirates Stadium:
“That certainly feels like a defining victory for Arsenal. They have found it difficult to capitalize on their chances in recent matches. However, not against Aston Villa. They were completely merciless in that second half.
“Everything seemed favorable for Villa at halftime, with the score remaining goalless and Arsenal finding it hard to penetrate their defense. But they struggled to withstand the pressure as the home side raised their game after the interval.
“The Arsenal players are now receiving applause as they wrap up a lap of appreciation. With a five-point lead, their title credentials are significantly strengthened while Villa’s have taken a notable hit.”
What’s next for Arsenal?The Gunners are set to visit Bournemouth on Saturday, live on Sky Sports; kick-off at 5.30 pm.
Saturday 3rd January 5:00pm
Kick off 5:30pm
Thursday 8th January 7:00pm
Kick off 8:00pm
They will then complete their festive fixture list with a home match against Liverpool, also broadcast live on Sky Sports on Thursday, January 8; kick-off at 8 pm.
Published: 2025-12-30 23:27:00
source: www.skysports.com
