Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

The game really sparked into life after a tense first half, with Gabriel Magalhães nodding Arsenal ahead in the 48th minute, and Martín Zubimendi doubling the lead just four minutes later thanks to a smart assist from Martin Ødegaard. Leandro Trossard’s 69th-minute goal, set up by Jurriën Timber, put Arsenal in cruise control, though a VAR check shortly after in the 72nd added a brief moment of drama without changing much. Gabriel Jesus came off the bench in the 77th to replace Viktor Gyökeres and quickly scored in the 78th, assisted by Trossard, before Ollie Watkins pulled one back for Villa deep into stoppage time at 90+4’.

Yellow cards flew in late on, with Mikel Merino booked for Arsenal just before the break in the 45+1st, and Villa’s Morgan Rogers following suit a minute later. Substitutions played a part too, like Arsenal’s double change in the 77th where Myles Lewis-Skelly replaced Gabriel Magalhães, and Villa’s early second-half switch of John McGinn for Amadou Onana, but it was Arsenal’s clinical finishing that proved the real turning point.

Arsenal lined up in a solid 4-3-3 formation, with Bukayo Saka providing width on the right and Leandro Trossard making an impact in attack. Gabriel Magalhães was key at the back before Myles Lewis-Skelly took over, while Martín Zubimendi anchored midfield alongside Martin Ødegaard’s creative assists. Up front, Viktor Gyökeres led the line until Gabriel Jesus replaced him, forming a dynamic partnership that clicked in the second half.

Aston Villa set out in a 4-2-3-1 shape, relying on Ollie Watkins as the focal point up top to grab their late goal. Youri Tielemans held midfield until George Lawrence Hemmings came on, with Morgan Rogers adding energy before Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba replaced him. Emiliano Buendía and Jadon Sancho started in the attacking midfield roles, making way for Andrés García and Donyell Malen around the hour mark to try and spark a comeback.

Coral’s Man of the Match goes to Leandro Trossard, who was electric for Arsenal with his goal in the 69th minute and an assist for Gabriel Jesus’ strike later on. He created one big chance and delivered three key passes, constantly threatening Villa’s defence and helping turn the game in Arsenal’s favour. His all-round display showed why he’s such a vital player, blending creativity and finishing to stand out on the pitch.

Recent Premier League matches:

• Win: 4-1 vs Aston Villa (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs Brighton & Hove Albion (H)
• Win: 1-0 vs Everton (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Aston Villa (A)

Recent Premier League matches:

• Loss: 1-4 vs Arsenal (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Chelsea (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Manchester United (H)
• Win: 3-2 vs West Ham United (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Arsenal (H)

Arsenal have just thumped Aston Villa 4-1 at home, keeping them top of the table on 45 points and extending their run of four straight league wins. They’ll look to keep the momentum going against AFC Bournemouth on 3 January 2026 at 17:30, with Bournemouth sitting 15th on 23 points and struggling a bit. A win here could help Arsenal pull further clear at the summit, especially after bouncing back from that earlier defeat to Villa.

Aston Villa have just gone down 4-1 away to Arsenal, leaving them third on 39 points after a streak of four wins was broken. They face Nottingham Forest next on 3 January 2026 at 12:30, with Forest down in 17th on 18 points and fighting to stay clear of trouble. This could be a good chance for Villa to get back on track and solidify their top-four push, building on those recent victories against sides like Chelsea and Manchester United.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.