4-1 statement win over Aston Villa keeps Arsenal top of Premier League

Arsenal ensured they will end the year top of the English Premier League after beating Aston Villa 4-1 at home in a powerful statement win on Tuesday, with all goals scored in the second half.

The fourth goal, scored by substitute Gabriel Jesus one minute after coming on, highlighted the depth of the Gunners' bench this season and manager Mikel Arteta jubilantly high-fived his assistants at the final whistle.

Victory moved Arsenal five points ahead of Manchester City, which will play at Sunderland on New Year's Day, and six points clear of third-place Villa.

"It is a beautiful evening. That was a very tough match, as we knew it would be, because they are a top opponent to play against," Arteta said. "The way we started the second half was amazing, we really turned things up and were efficient in everything that we did."

Arsenal has not won the Premier League since 2004 and the pressure is on Arteta to deliver.

"In 2026, we know what we want," Arteta said.

Villa manager Unai Emery later defended his decision not to shake Arteta's hand at the end of the game by saying it was "cold" at the Emirates.

"Always my routine is go to the opposition coach, shake hands and go inside," the former Arsenal boss said. "If he is not doing the same rule, I can't wait ... it was cold."

No Arsenal player is near the top of the scorers' charts this season, yet sharing the goals around might just be the team's strength.

Defender Gabriel Magalhaes headed home early in the second half following a corner for set-piece specialist Arsenal, and midfielder Martín Zubimendi netted in the 52nd minute.

Winger Leandro Trossard curled in a fine third from the edge of the penalty area in the 69th and was involved in the fourth goal, curled into the same corner from almost the same spot in the 78th minute by Jesus after Arsenal had launched a superb counterattack from deep.

Jesus nodded in from close range and was deemed not to have impeded Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez with his elbow.

Ollie Watkins grabbed an injury-time consolation for Villa.

Elsewhere, Chelsea drew 2-2 at home to Bournemouth; Newcastle United won 3-1 at lowly Burnley; and Manchester United was held 1-1 at home by rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Struggling West Ham United drew 2-2 with visiting Brighton, and Everton won 2-0 at Nottingham Forest.