Arsenal vs Aston Villa ended in an emphatic 4-1 win for the former last Tuesday, December 30, at the Emirates Stadium and left the Gunners with a five-point lead over Manchester City at the top. However, Manchester City have a match in hand and might be able to cut the lead down to two points by winning their next match.
The Arsenal vs Aston Villa match saw the Gunners score four goals in the second half. Aston Villa reduced the deficit through an Ollie Watkins goal later, but it was a statement win for the North Londoners.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa Exposed the Latter’s Weakness in the Midfield
The first Arsenal goal was a bit controversial, as Gabriel’s elbow touched Emi Martinez before the ball went in from a corner. However, as the second half progressed, Aston Villa started missing the presence of Amadou Onana, who had to be withdrawn following an injury.
First, Martin Odegaard released Martin Zubimendi with a neat through pass, as the latter went on to score his team’s second goal. Then Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus scored from central positions just outside the Aston Villa penalty box.
In an ideal world, a defensive midfielder must have been present there to block those shots or, in Zubimendi’s case, his run. However, Onana’s absence left a void in the middle that Unai Emery’s team failed to fill.
It is by no means an excuse, as the Gunners were probably the deserving team on the day. However, while Villa succeeded in nullifying Arsenal’s threat through the right, their soft underbelly was painfully evident.
The combination of Onana and Boubacar Kamara has been one of the most effective partnerships in the middle of the pitch in the Premier League this season. However, Onana’s absence made Aston Villa pay seriously in what was a very important match for them.
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Arsenal Will Want To Take All the Positives From the Match
There were plenty of pluses that the game offered to Arsenal. Jesus finding himself on the score-sheet was definitely one of them. The goal should do the 28-year-old Brazilian forward’s confidence a world of good.
Then, there was Zubimendi, who scored his third goal in an Arsenal shirt. Trossard yet again showed his importance to the team, as did Gabriel, who is one of the most menacing players in England from set-pieces.
However, Unai Emery will rue the fact that Onana was not available for the whole match and should take lessons from the match. He should have his backup defensive midfielders ready for the job. If a team is to be genuine contenders for the Premier League title, it needs to have quality back-ups in almost every position.
However, as things stand at the moment, Mikel Arteta’s men seem to be the favorites along with Manchester City. However, it is still a three-horse race for the title, with Aston Villa in the fray despite their 11-match winning run coming to a halt. Now, it remains to be seen whether Aston Villa can fight back from the reversal on Tuesday in the Arsenal vs Aston Villa match.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Paul Marriott
Recording Date: 30.12.2025
