Arsenal scored four second-half goals to thrash Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium, ending the year five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Gabriel Magalhaes, starting for the first time since his November injury, opened the scoring from a corner in the 48th minute. Martin Odegaard then set up Martin Zubimendi to make it 2-0. Leandro Trossard added a third with a low strike from the edge of the area, and substitute Gabriel Jesus curled in a fourth. Ollie Watkins scored a late consolation for Villa.
Villa, who had been on an 11-match winning streak including a 2-1 win over Arsenal just 24 days ago, started strongly but could not break through Arsenal’s defence. Missing Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara through suspension, Villa tried to slow the game but were undone by Mikel Arteta’s side.
The win caps a strong year for Arsenal, who have lost just twice in the league this season, and puts them five points ahead of second-placed Manchester City ahead of the New Year’s Day game at Sunderland.
