Arsenal analysis: Statement win as Gunners end year top

Arsenal's thrashing of Aston Villa means the Gunners end the year five points clear, with their supporters hoping this will be the season they end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title.

Aston Villa arrived at the Emirates with the chance of drawing level on points with the Gunners if they were able to beat Arteta's side, but the hosts showed why they are many people's favourites to win the league.

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Throughout December Arsenal have not been at their best, but as is the mark of potential champions, they have found a way to win.

Injuries to key players have meant Arteta has had to be creative at times with his selections - in this match he was without Declan Rice who was ruled out with a knock.

However, he could call on arguably Arsenal's most important player in Gabriel, whose presence in defence brings calmness to the Gunners' backline and his threat from set-pieces is a crucial weapon.

Gabriel was starting with William Saliba at centre-back in the Premier League for the first time since 8 November, and Arsenal have won all five league matches this season when both have played the full game.

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The only concern will be that Gabriel was substituted in the 77th minute for Myles Lewis-Skelly, but as he walked off the pitch unaided it looked like a precaution.

Arsenal have finished second for three successive seasons, but with the experience they have from those title challenges and players returning from injury, 2026 could be a memorable year in north London.