Gabriel Sets the Tone as Arsenal Crush Aston Villa to Go Five Clear
Arsenal centre back Gabriel Magalhaes marked his return to the starting lineup in emphatic fashion as the Gunners swept aside Aston Villa 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium to tighten their grip on the Premier League title race.
The Brazilian defender opened the scoring shortly after the break, powering Arsenal into control of a contest that had been tense and cagey for much of the first half, before Mikel Arteta’s side pulled away with a dominant second half display.
Villa had arrived in north London riding an 11 game winning streak and showed why early on, frustrating Arsenal and slowing the tempo with disciplined defending and familiar gamesmanship from former Gunner Emi Martinez. Despite sustained pressure, the hosts went into the interval level.
That resistance ended three minutes into the second half. From a corner, Gabriel muscled his way through traffic, battled with Martinez at the near post and forced the ball over the line to ignite the stadium and swing momentum decisively in Arsenal’s favour.
The goal carried added significance. Gabriel was making his first start since returning from an adductor injury picked up on international duty in November, having only managed a brief cameo against Brighton days earlier. His impact underlined his importance as Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the table heading into 2026.
The Emirates was lively from the outset, aware of the stakes and the recent history between the sides following Arsenal’s defeat at Villa Park earlier in the month. Arsenal dominated possession early, with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard controlling midfield, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli stretched Villa’s back line.
Villa had their moments. Martinez was called into action several times before the break, while Arsenal were forced to stay alert to quick transitions through Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey. The match remained finely balanced until Gabriel’s breakthrough.
Arsenal’s second goal soon followed, again from a set piece, as Villa struggled to cope with the physicality and movement in the box. The visitors’ composure faded, and spaces began to open up as Arsenal pressed higher and moved the ball with greater urgency.
The second half belonged to the hosts. Arsenal created a series of chances, forcing saves and last ditch blocks, while Villa’s attempts to respond were blunted by Gabriel and William Saliba, who quickly re established their authority at the heart of defence.
Late in the contest, Arsenal added further goals to turn a hard fought encounter into a commanding scoreline, closing the door on any hopes of a Villa comeback and bringing their winning run to a decisive end.
There was late drama of a different kind at full time, as Gabriel appeared to mock Villa midfielder Amadou Onana’s trademark pocket celebration while heading down the tunnel. The Brazilian later played down the gesture, insisting it was light hearted and driven by the emotion of a big win rather than any personal edge.
For Arsenal, the result was about more than celebrations. It reinforced their title credentials, delivered swift revenge for the defeat earlier in the month, and welcomed back a key defensive leader at a crucial stage of the season.
With Gabriel fit again and Arsenal building momentum, Arteta’s side head into the next round of fixtures in control of the race, knowing that performances like this one continue to set the standard at the top of the Premier League.
Gabriel Magalhaes doesn't forget, He recreated Onana's video, watch😂😂😂😂pic.twitter.com/YWhfgTpft5
— Triple M (@Tripple____M) December 31, 2025