LONDON: Arsenal signed off 2025 in commanding style as they swept aside third-placed Aston Villa 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, opening up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners ended Villa’s club-record winning run of 11 matches, slamming the door shut after a tense first half. Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes and Martin Zubimendi early in the second period swung control firmly Arsenal’s way, before the hosts powered on to seal an emphatic victory.
The result lifted Arsenal to 45 points, with second-placed Manchester City able to reduce the gap when they travel to Sunderland on Thursday.
Elsewhere, Manchester United were frustrated by bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers, being held to a 1-1 draw as Wolves collected just their third point of the season. Bournemouth also earned a share of the spoils at Stamford Bridge, forcing a 2-2 draw against a stuttering Chelsea after a frantic first half.
United remain sixth in the table, level on 30 points with fifth-placed Chelsea, as the race for European places continues to heat up.
