Top of the Tree Statement Win

Arsenal roared into 2026 with a dominant second-half display to beat Aston Villa 4–1 at the Emirates. Gabriel headed home from a Bukayo Saka corner, Martin Zubimendi doubled the lead after a fine Ødegaard pass, Leandro Trossard struck the third, and Gabriel Jesus curled in a fourth before Ollie Watkins grabbed a late consolation for Villa.

The victory ended Villa’s 11-match winning run, returned Arsenal to the top of the Premier League, and sends the team into the New Year with momentum ahead of trips to Bournemouth, a home clash with Liverpool, and an FA Cup tie at Portsmouth.