Arsenal heading for easy Premier League title win after 'statement' victory against Aston Villa, says Paul Merson

[ad_1] Paul Merson believes Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League simply after they blew in-form Aston Villa away with a "assertion" 4-1 win on the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners, who had been with out the injured Declan Rice, scored 4 occasions in a rampant second-half show to finish Premier League title rivals Villa's club-equalling 11-match profitable streak.

"It felt like greater than three factors, psychologically," mentioned Sky Sports activities' Jamie Carragher.

After scraping previous Wolves, Everton and Brighton of their earlier three fixtures, Arsenal had been removed from their fluent finest in opposition to Villa in a primary half the place the load of expectation of ending a 22-year watch for a title gave the impression to be hanging over them.

However they got here alive after the break with a efficiency which is able to function a warning to Manchester Metropolis forward of their match in opposition to Sunderland on New Yr's Day, stay on Sky Sports activities (kick-off 8pm).

"It was an excellent half-hour from Arsenal within the second half," Merson mentioned on Soccer Particular. "They suffocated Aston Villa and made them look fairly common in the long run.

"It is a huge consequence for Arsenal.

"There have been a few outcomes the place they've simply fallen over the road in opposition to Wolves and Brighton. They had been tight video games however up in opposition to probably the most in-form workforce in nation, if not Europe, and Arsenal have dismantled them."

<div class="sdc-article-widget sdc-site-video sdc-article-widget callfn" data-account-id="6058004149001" data-amp-iframe-embed="" data-asset-id="04b729fd-948d-4da4-b4d1-6f40f14caf37" data-asset-path="" data-asset-version="" data-autoplay="false" data-auth-config="{"url":"https://api.condatis.sky/auth/video/token","tokenRequired":true,"fetchMethod":"url","fetchOptions":{"encoded":true},"headers":{"X-SkyGDP-Proposition":"sportweb","X-SkyGDP-Territory":"GB","Authorization":"OGY5ZDgxZjRhNzYwNGQ3MTljMjFhMDJlOGVmODRhYzA="}}" data-caption="FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Arsenal’s match against Aston Villa in the Premier League" data-clip-type="" data-component-name="sdc-site-video" data-component-name-alias="ui-sitewide-video" data-competition="" data-copy-url-text="URL copied to clipboard" data-fn="sdc-site-video" data-id="id_04b729fd-948d-4da4-b4d1-6f40f14caf37" data-is-live-stream="false" data-lite="true" data-options="" data-originator-id="50" data-originator-handle="brightcove-plclips-gb" data-package-name="" data-provider="brightcove" data-player-id="FkTAlw1HuO" data-playsinline="" data-sensitive="" data-sdc-id="7122672" data-sdc-video-id="04b729fd-948d-4da4-b4d1-6f40f14caf37" data-sport-category="" data-state="loading" data-token-state="none" data-video-ad-unit="football/premier-league-clips" data-video-blacklisted-originator-ids="" data-video-id="ref:04b729fd-948d-4da4-b4d1-6f40f14caf37" data-video-type="" data-auto-pause-on-not-visible="" data-defer-source="" tabindex="-1" data-closed-captions-position="" data-show-closed-captions="false" data-show-pip="" data-show-live-stream-scrubber="" data-autoload="" data-testid="sitewide-video"> Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant

<img loading="lazy" src="https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/768x432/skysports-arsenal-pl_7122657.jpg?20251230222739" alt="Arsenal highlights" srcset="https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/768x432/skysports-arsenal-pl_7122657.jpg?20251230222739 600w,https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/1600x900/skysports-arsenal-pl_7122657.jpg?20251230222739" aria-hidden="true" class="sdc-site-video__poster-img excluded-image" data-testid="sitewide-video-poster"/> FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Arsenal’s match in opposition to Aston Villa within the Premier League He added: "With the lead having been two factors a draw in opposition to Villa and a Man Metropolis win on New Yr's Day, Pep Guardiola's facet would go prime. However now, they've a five-point lead, they usually have three additional objectives as a result of objective distinction can be necessary with it being so tight.

"Taking a look at Arsenal, with the away fixtures they've already performed and this consequence in opposition to Villa, I do not know who will cease them. They play all the large groups aside from Man Metropolis at residence and enjoying like that, it is arduous to see them being stopped.

"I feel they win the Premier League fairly simply.

"It was an announcement consequence and Man Metropolis could have been watching. They are going to be considering wow after that from Arsenal."

Carra: Greater than three factors for Arsenal

Sky Sports activities' Jamie Carragher:

“It’s an enormous end in plenty of methods. The calibre of the opposition, the primary time Arsenal have overwhelmed an actual rival this season, scoring objectives and ensuring the stadium wasn’t nervous in the long run.

"Arsenal wanted that!

"It felt like greater than three factors, psychologically. The sensation across the coaching floor tomorrow can be utterly totally different.

"Gabriel being again is big. Earlier than I've mentioned that he is probably the most influential participant within the Premier League, and we have seen it once more tonight.

"It was incredible for everyone in that stadium tonight."

Jesus: We received due to mentality <img class="sdc-article-image__item" loading="lazy" intrinsicsize="768x432" src="https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/768x432/skysports-gabriel-jesus-arsenal_7122625.jpg?20251230220630" srcset="https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/384x216/skysports-gabriel-jesus-arsenal_7122625.jpg?20251230220630 380w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/768x432/skysports-gabriel-jesus-arsenal_7122625.jpg?20251230220630 760w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/1600x900/skysports-gabriel-jesus-arsenal_7122625.jpg?20251230220630 1024w, https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/2048x1152/skysports-gabriel-jesus-arsenal_7122625.jpg?20251230220630 2048w" sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 1024px, 100vw" alt="Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring their side's fourth goal" data-testid="article-image-image"/> Picture: Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring their facet's fourth objective After a goalless first half, the house facet had been forward inside three minutes of the second interval when Emiliano Martinez flapped at Bukayo Saka's nook and the ball rolled in off Gabriel's thigh.

Arsenal doubled their benefit on 52 minutes after Martin Zubimendi transformed Martin Odegaard's beautiful defence-splitting move, with Leandro Trossard scoring from lengthy vary after 69 minutes to place the sport firmly out of Villa's attain.

Gabriel Jesus then netted his first objective since New Yr's Day simply moments after approaching as an alternative earlier than Ollie Watkins scored a comfort for the guests in damage time.

<div class="sdc-article-widget sdc-site-video sdc-article-widget callfn" data-account-id="6058004149001" data-amp-iframe-embed="" data-asset-id="4582a0a4-e895-4887-bdf7-d78919e05705" data-asset-path="" data-asset-version="" data-autoplay="false" data-auth-config="{"url":"https://api.condatis.sky/auth/video/token","tokenRequired":true,"fetchMethod":"url","fetchOptions":{"encoded":true},"headers":{"X-SkyGDP-Proposition":"sportweb","X-SkyGDP-Territory":"GB","Authorization":"OGY5ZDgxZjRhNzYwNGQ3MTljMjFhMDJlOGVmODRhYzA="}}" data-caption="Gabriel Jesus comes off the bench to net Arsenal's fourth against Aston Villa in the Premier League" data-clip-type="" data-component-name="sdc-site-video" data-component-name-alias="ui-sitewide-video" data-competition="" data-copy-url-text="URL copied to clipboard" data-fn="sdc-site-video" data-id="id_4582a0a4-e895-4887-bdf7-d78919e05705" data-is-live-stream="false" data-lite="true" data-options="" data-originator-id="50" data-originator-handle="brightcove-plclips-gb" data-package-name="" data-provider="brightcove" data-player-id="FkTAlw1HuO" data-playsinline="" data-sensitive="" data-sdc-id="7122609" data-sdc-video-id="4582a0a4-e895-4887-bdf7-d78919e05705" data-sport-category="" data-state="loading" data-token-state="none" data-video-ad-unit="football/premier-league-clips" data-video-blacklisted-originator-ids="" data-video-id="ref:4582a0a4-e895-4887-bdf7-d78919e05705" data-video-type="" data-auto-pause-on-not-visible="" data-defer-source="" tabindex="-1" data-closed-captions-position="" data-show-closed-captions="false" data-show-pip="" data-show-live-stream-scrubber="" data-autoload="" data-testid="sitewide-video"> Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant

<img loading="lazy" src="https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/768x432/skysports-jesus-goal_7122619.jpg?20251230215953" alt="GOAL" srcset="https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/768x432/skysports-jesus-goal_7122619.jpg?20251230215953 600w,https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/1600x900/skysports-jesus-goal_7122619.jpg?20251230215953" aria-hidden="true" class="sdc-site-video__poster-img excluded-image" data-testid="sitewide-video-poster"/> Gabriel Jesus comes off the bench to internet Arsenal's fourth in opposition to Aston Villa within the Premier League The spectacular victory was the proper tonic for Mikel Arteta's gamers in opposition to a workforce that dealt them a stoppage-time 2-1 defeat at Villa Park simply 24 days in the past.

"It was wonderful," Jesus instructed Sky Sports activities.

"It is all the time arduous to play in opposition to Villa. They arrive right here always and attempt to damage us.

"Initially you possibly can see they had been making an attempt to delay the sport. However we received due to the mentality."

<div class="sdc-article-widget sdc-site-video sdc-article-widget callfn" data-account-id="6058004149001" data-amp-iframe-embed="" data-asset-id="ecc60077-a415-4cc7-af9d-ff33d06bc6ca" data-asset-path="" data-asset-version="" data-autoplay="false" data-auth-config="{"url":"https://api.condatis.sky/auth/video/token","tokenRequired":true,"fetchMethod":"url","fetchOptions":{"encoded":true},"headers":{"X-SkyGDP-Proposition":"sportweb","X-SkyGDP-Territory":"GB","Authorization":"OGY5ZDgxZjRhNzYwNGQ3MTljMjFhMDJlOGVmODRhYzA="}}" data-caption="Leandro Trossard's stunner makes it three for Arsenal against Aston Villa in the Premier League" data-clip-type="" data-component-name="sdc-site-video" data-component-name-alias="ui-sitewide-video" data-competition="" data-copy-url-text="URL copied to clipboard" data-fn="sdc-site-video" data-id="id_ecc60077-a415-4cc7-af9d-ff33d06bc6ca" data-is-live-stream="false" data-lite="true" data-options="" data-originator-id="50" data-originator-handle="brightcove-plclips-gb" data-package-name="" data-provider="brightcove" data-player-id="FkTAlw1HuO" data-playsinline="" data-sensitive="" data-sdc-id="7122595" data-sdc-video-id="ecc60077-a415-4cc7-af9d-ff33d06bc6ca" data-sport-category="" data-state="loading" data-token-state="none" data-video-ad-unit="football/premier-league-clips" data-video-blacklisted-originator-ids="" data-video-id="ref:ecc60077-a415-4cc7-af9d-ff33d06bc6ca" data-video-type="" data-auto-pause-on-not-visible="" data-defer-source="" tabindex="-1" data-closed-captions-position="" data-show-closed-captions="false" data-show-pip="" data-show-live-stream-scrubber="" data-autoload="" data-testid="sitewide-video"> Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant

Leandro Trossard's stunner makes it three for Arsenal in opposition to Aston Villa within the Premier League Arteta delighted with 'prolific' Arsenal "I am so blissful," mentioned Gunners boss Mikel Arteta of his facet's emphatic show. "We play each three days, and in the present day we performed an opponent that has received 11 video games in a row.

"They're an outstanding workforce, very tough to play in opposition to, and we knew that we had been going to have intervals all through the sport.

<div class="sdc-article-widget sdc-site-video sdc-article-widget callfn" data-account-id="6058004149001" data-amp-iframe-embed="" data-asset-id="04d14a31-02af-44da-8417-0430325ab61b" data-asset-path="" data-asset-version="" data-autoplay="false" data-auth-config="{"url":"https://api.condatis.sky/auth/video/token","tokenRequired":true,"fetchMethod":"url","fetchOptions":{"encoded":true},"headers":{"X-SkyGDP-Proposition":"sportweb","X-SkyGDP-Territory":"GB","Authorization":"OGY5ZDgxZjRhNzYwNGQ3MTljMjFhMDJlOGVmODRhYzA="}}" data-caption="Martin Zubimendi's 'ruthless' finish doubles Arsenal's lead against Aston Villa in the Premier League" data-clip-type="" data-component-name="sdc-site-video" data-component-name-alias="ui-sitewide-video" data-competition="" data-copy-url-text="URL copied to clipboard" data-fn="sdc-site-video" data-id="id_04d14a31-02af-44da-8417-0430325ab61b" data-is-live-stream="false" data-lite="true" data-options="" data-originator-id="50" data-originator-handle="brightcove-plclips-gb" data-package-name="" data-provider="brightcove" data-player-id="FkTAlw1HuO" data-playsinline="" data-sensitive="" data-sdc-id="7122570" data-sdc-video-id="04d14a31-02af-44da-8417-0430325ab61b" data-sport-category="" data-state="loading" data-token-state="none" data-video-ad-unit="football/premier-league-clips" data-video-blacklisted-originator-ids="" data-video-id="ref:04d14a31-02af-44da-8417-0430325ab61b" data-video-type="" data-auto-pause-on-not-visible="" data-defer-source="" tabindex="-1" data-closed-captions-position="" data-show-closed-captions="false" data-show-pip="" data-show-live-stream-scrubber="" data-autoload="" data-testid="sitewide-video"> Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant

<img loading="lazy" src="https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/768x432/skysports-arsenal-zubimendi_7122578.jpg?20251230213515" alt="GOAL" srcset="https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/768x432/skysports-arsenal-zubimendi_7122578.jpg?20251230213515 600w,https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/1600x900/skysports-arsenal-zubimendi_7122578.jpg?20251230213515" aria-hidden="true" class="sdc-site-video__poster-img excluded-image" data-testid="sitewide-video-poster"/> Martin Zubimendi's 'ruthless' end doubles Arsenal's lead in opposition to Aston Villa within the Premier League "We talked about emotionally how demanding it was going to be and we struggled within the first 10 minutes. Then we adjusted, obtained a bit extra management. We did not handle to attain after which within the second half we clicked.

"We competed for every thing significantly better. The timing was higher and the person objectives had been fulfilled in a unprecedented approach, and we had been so environment friendly in every thing that we did.

"In contrast to in the previous couple of video games the place we had so many massive conditions, in the present day we had been very prolific and correct to make the distinction."

<div class="sdc-article-widget sdc-site-video sdc-article-widget callfn" data-account-id="6058004149001" data-amp-iframe-embed="" data-asset-id="d3dc722b-cdeb-4f77-af17-9223a20ded7f" data-asset-path="" data-asset-version="" data-autoplay="false" data-auth-config="{"url":"https://api.condatis.sky/auth/video/token","tokenRequired":true,"fetchMethod":"url","fetchOptions":{"encoded":true},"headers":{"X-SkyGDP-Proposition":"sportweb","X-SkyGDP-Territory":"GB","Authorization":"OGY5ZDgxZjRhNzYwNGQ3MTljMjFhMDJlOGVmODRhYzA="}}" data-caption="Gabriel converts an Arsenal corner on his return after injury against Aston Villa in the Premier League" data-clip-type="" data-component-name="sdc-site-video" data-component-name-alias="ui-sitewide-video" data-competition="" data-copy-url-text="URL copied to clipboard" data-fn="sdc-site-video" data-id="id_d3dc722b-cdeb-4f77-af17-9223a20ded7f" data-is-live-stream="false" data-lite="true" data-options="" data-originator-id="50" data-originator-handle="brightcove-plclips-gb" data-package-name="" data-provider="brightcove" data-player-id="FkTAlw1HuO" data-playsinline="" data-sensitive="" data-sdc-id="7122555" data-sdc-video-id="d3dc722b-cdeb-4f77-af17-9223a20ded7f" data-sport-category="" data-state="loading" data-token-state="none" data-video-ad-unit="football/premier-league-clips" data-video-blacklisted-originator-ids="" data-video-id="ref:d3dc722b-cdeb-4f77-af17-9223a20ded7f" data-video-type="" data-auto-pause-on-not-visible="" data-defer-source="" tabindex="-1" data-closed-captions-position="" data-show-closed-captions="false" data-show-pip="" data-show-live-stream-scrubber="" data-autoload="" data-testid="sitewide-video"> Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant

<img loading="lazy" src="https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/768x432/skysports-gabriel-arsenal_7122580.jpg?20251230213609" alt="GOAL" srcset="https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/768x432/skysports-gabriel-arsenal_7122580.jpg?20251230213609 600w,https://e0.365dm.com/25/12/1600x900/skysports-gabriel-arsenal_7122580.jpg?20251230213609" aria-hidden="true" class="sdc-site-video__poster-img excluded-image" data-testid="sitewide-video-poster"/> Gabriel converts an Arsenal nook on his return after damage in opposition to Aston Villa within the Premier League 'Arsenal improve title credentials with assertion win’

Sky Sports activities' Nick Wright on the Emirates Stadium:

"That appears like an announcement win for Arsenal. They've struggled to take their possibilities in current video games. Not a lot in opposition to Aston Villa. They had been completely ruthless in that second half.

"All of it appeared constructive for Villa at half-time, with the scores goalless and Arsenal struggling to interrupt them down. However they might not cope because the hosts upped it after the break.

"The Arsenal gamers are actually being clapped off as they full a lap of appreciation. 5 factors clear, their title credentials enhanced as Villa's take a big hit."

What's subsequent for Arsenal? The Gunners journey to Bournemouth on Saturday, stay on Sky Sports activities; kick off 5.30pm.

Saturday third January 5:00pm Kick off 5:30pm Thursday eighth January 7:00pm Kick off 8:00pm They then finish their festive set of fixtures with a house recreation in opposition to Liverpool, additionally stay on Sky Sports activities on Thursday January 8; kick off 8pm.