Rampant Arsenal make a strong title statement and bury the Emery bogey | John Brewin

"Should Arsenal lift the Premier League trophy in May, the thrill of the chase will be remembered fondly, difficult forks in the road glorified. Here was a statement win to show that the pain and agony can be worth it. A champion team must often suffer to arrive at beautiful moments. Those scratchy wins over Wolves, Everton and Brighton can now be celebrated alongside a champagne evening to sign off 2025."

"For 45 minutes, fans, players and manager alike were left alone with their private agonies, only for the second half where Arsenal played the expansive, confident football of the autumn, smashing in four goals to vaporise the unease. Aston Villa were a feared opponent, all too familiar. Bringing their winning run and perhaps their title challenge to an abrupt end added further satisfaction, burying a recent ghost and some former employees, too."

"It was only 24 days previously that Emi Buendia's 95th-minute winner at Villa Park was followed by Arsenal players sinking to the turf as if another disappointing May had already been reached. It is rare that Mikel Arteta is the least active manager in the technical area but Unai Emery exuded the greater nervous energy, breathing in the London night air deeply, as if caught downwind of an offending odour."

Arsenal overcame persistent late-season anxiety with a commanding second-half display, scoring four goals to transform unease into celebration and bolster their title bid. December delivered unusual worries despite the club's familiarity with title chases in April and May. Fans, players and manager endured 45 minutes of private tension before the team produced expansive, confident football reminiscent of the autumn. The victory halted Aston Villa's winning run and dented their possible title challenge, providing extra satisfaction. Emi Martinez drew jeers for time-keeping and a headed goal at half-time. Emi Buendia's prior 95th-minute winner had deepened the recent sense of vulnerability. Unai Emery appeared visibly nervous on the touchline.

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