Gunners end 2025 with major statement of intent

Off came the shackles, the handbrake, the anchor and anything else inhibiting Arsenal as they found their purpose on the pitch and their voice in the stands to seize the moment and punish a wobbling Villa side with a second goal just four minutes later.

Martin Zubimendi celebrates after scoring Arsenal's second goal during the Premier League match against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium. Picture: Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images

Premier League: Arsenal 4 Aston Villa 1

This was the statement win Arsenal have been waiting every waking hour for after they lost at Villa at the start of the month. They have played well without winning convincingly in every match since. Now they can start the new year on top of the Premier League table with the ghost of the Midlands men and former Arsenal manager Unai Emery laid to rest for another season and the second half to the season to find true championship form.