Arsenal crushed Aston Villa 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium on December 30, 2025, in a match where defender Gabriel Magalhaes starred on his return from injury. The Brazilian centre-back opened the scoring early in the second half and led a solid back line that kept Villa quiet for most of the game.
The first half stayed goalless. Both teams had chances, but Arsenal looked cautious without injured midfielder Declan Rice. Villa, on an 11-game winning run, pressed high and created some threats on the counter. Ollie Watkins missed a couple of good openings.
Things changed right after the break. In the 47th minute, Bukayo Saka took a corner. Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez came out but couldn’t hold it. The ball hit Gabriel’s thigh and went in. A quick VAR check cleared any foul, and Arsenal led 1-0.
Four minutes later, Martin Odegaard won the ball high up and played a perfect pass to new signing Martin Zubimendi. The Spaniard, who joined from Real Sociedad in the summer, finished calmly to make it 2-0.
Arsenal kept pushing. Leandro Trossard scored the third in the 68th minute with a strong shot from outside the box after good build-up play.
Then came a highlight for fans. Gabriel Jesus came off the bench, replacing Viktor Gyokeres. Almost right away, he curled a nice shot into the corner for 4-0. It was his first goal in a long time, after injury problems.
Villa got one back late through Watkins in stoppage time, but it was just a consolation. The final score stayed 4-1.
Gabriel earned Player of the Match. He bossed the defence and scored on his first start back from a thigh issue. After the game, he thanked God in interviews, as he often does.
The win took Arsenal five points clear at the top of the Premier League going into 2026. They stay unbeaten at home in 17 games now. Villa’s long winning streak ended, and they sit six points behind in third.
Fans loved the second-half show. The Emirates crowd got loud with each goal. In the tunnel afterward, Gabriel did a playful gesture that had people laughing and making memes online. It added fun to a big night.
Mikel Arteta called it a statement win. He said the team smelt blood after the first goal and took control. Unai Emery, Villa’s manager and former Arsenal boss, admitted his side lost their way after halftime.
This result sends Arsenal into the new year strong. Title talk grows. They look solid with Gabriel back alongside William Saliba.
Villa will regroup. Their run was impressive, but this loss shows the gap to the leaders.
Arsenal supporters left happy. A rout against a top rival feels good. Jesus scoring off the bench gives extra hope up front.
The Premier League pauses briefly for New Year. Then games come thick and fast. Arsenal sit top and confident.
Matches like this remind us why the league excites people. Dominant displays. Comebacks from bench players. Big points on the line.
Arsenal end 2025 on a high. Fans hope it carries over. The title race looks open, but they lead it now.
