Odegaard’s return to form bodes well for Arsenal

Arsenal's Martin Odegaard (right) return to form falls at the right time for Arteta's side.

Fit-again players are now driving Arsenal towards the title - and easing nerves 

This was a statement result that felt like it was worth six points in the title race; and it leaves Arsenal's confidence on a high (and the nerves dispersing).

A major part of that renewed belief comes from a rapidly-improving injury crisis on a night when the Gunners won to guarantee they will be top on New Year's Day.

Two days short of a year since his last goal for the Gunners, Gabriel Jesus’ stunning strike that put Arsenal 4-0 up summed up a feeling that the tension is easing for Mike Arteta’s title chasers.

Recent matches at the Emirates have been nervous, especially with so many players missing, but that goal summed up a feeling of revival and rejuvenation.

It put Arsenal five points clear at the top of the table (with Manchester City playing at Sunderland on New Year’s Day) and came after another returnee, defender Gabriel, made his mark after nine games out - and scored the opener.

The defender's overall performance and influence on the game was ke, even though he left the field early with what looked like a small twinge.

Suddenly, the Arsenal squad looks strong.

Jurrien Timber was also back on the pitch, Ben White joined him from the bench, along with Noni Madueke, and Kai Havertz was fit but not needed on a night when Arsenal’s squad power was crucial against a Villa team that had won 11 matches in a row in all competitions but simply ran out of gas.

Arsenal captain Odegaard is back on form – and the nerves are easing

Martin Odegaard’s return to form could turn out to be the key to Arsenal’s run-in and quieten chatter that he should hand over the captain’s armband to Declan Rice.

He was hugely influential in Arsenal’s statement victory over Aston Villa and that’s significant.

This was only the Norwegian’s eighth Premier League start of the season, one which has been hampered by shoulder and knee injuries as well as a drop in form; but he’s on the way back just when it really matters.

A goal on Saturday against Brighton and a superb assist for Martin Zubimendi against Villa, having won the ball back himself, saw him play a captain’s role in a crucial victory.

It comes at a time when questions were being asked about whether the former Real Madrid man is the right leader for Arsenal’s title challenge; but it’s not a debate that will last much longer.

Rice may have the more traditional leadership traits we associate with English football - that Tony Adams power and gravitas - but Odegaard’s calmness on the ball and thoughtful approach to the game have their own value. Especially when nerves are jangling.

He ran the second half against Villa, easing tensions after a difficult opening 45 minutes, as Arsenal turned up the volume – and the style.

Aston Villa’s lack of squad depth could be their undoing 

There’s no doubt that Villa have been outstanding this season, including in the first half at the Emirates, but it all fell apart when Amadou Onana failed to return for the second half.

Onana had been impressive in the opening 45 minutes, driving through the Arsenal midfield in the absence of Declan Rice to stop him, but tiredness appeared to set in as Unai Emery’s side struggled after the break.

A quick look at their bench should raise the alarm if they want to stay in the top four for the rest of the season.

Once John McGinn took to the field, the other options looked thin – especially when Arsenal’s choices included Eze, Havertz, Madueke, White, Jesus, Norgaard and Lewis-Skelly.

They ended the night with a goal from Ollie Watkins but managed only two shots on target all game.

Emery will want to bring in signings in January. But do they have the finance to do so?

Arsenal still need Declan Rice to stay fit to become champions 

This was a statement victory but even so, Arsenal cannot afford for Declan Rice to be injured too often if they are going to become champions again for the first time since 2003.

The influential midfielder missed this game because of a swollen knee, and the Gunners didn’t look the same without him in the opening 45 minutes.

There were times when Amadou Onana ran straight through the home team’s midfield - and his departure at half-time was part of the reason the Gunners took control for the rest of the night. Nobody will probably remember that, but Arteta knows.

Pre-match he insisted Rice would be back in training once the swelling on his knee disperses but given the midfielder’s importance to the side he cannot possibly gamble.

The good news for Arsenal, however, is that by demolishing a title rival and getting key men back, they have calmed the nerves.

That, above anything, could be the most important fact of an important night in the title race.