Three things we learned from Arsenal win as Gabriel return softens Rice blow

Arsenal sent a powerful message in the Premier League title race with a commanding 4-1 win over Aston Villa, easing some concerns while underlining others as the Gunners head into 2026 full of belief.

The victory over Aston Villa came against the backdrop of Villa’s 11-game winning streak — a run that included a victory over Arsenal earlier this month. On this occasion, though, Mikel Arteta’s side rose emphatically to the challenge.

Goals from Gabriel, Martín Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus sealed a statement win, with Ollie Watkins’ stoppage-time goal little more than a footnote.

Here are three things we learned from Arsenal’s emphatic night at the Emirates.

After weeks of tight margins, frayed nerves and controlled performances, Arsenal finally cut loose — and the timing could hardly have been better.

The first half was tense and disjointed, slowed down deliberately by Villa and stretched by a lengthy added-time period. But whatever was said at the interval worked. Arsenal emerged transformed.

The second half was arguably their best 45 minutes of the season. Villa were suffocated high up the pitch, turnovers came relentlessly, and Arsenal attacked with a freedom that has often been missing in recent weeks. Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard could easily have added to the scoreline, while set-pieces became a constant source of danger.

The result opens up a six-point gap to Villa and gives Arsenal a five-point cushion over Manchester City, who suddenly face a trickier-looking trip to Sunderland.

On a night billed as one of their toughest remaining tests, Arsenal looked every inch worthy title favourites.

The pre-match news that Declan Rice had been ruled out with a knee injury was a blow, and the opening stages showed exactly why.

Arsenal were alarmingly open on the counter in the first half. More than once, Amadou Onana surged forward into huge spaces through the centre of the pitch. Villa should have capitalised, with Watkins wasteful and only last-ditch defending — including a vital clearance from Piero Hincapié — keeping the scores level.

What was missing was obvious: Rice’s relentless running, positional discipline and ability to snuff out danger before it develops. There was a lack of midfield coverage in the first half that is hard to imagine had he been available.

Arsenal eventually took control, but Rice’s absence remains a concern heading into a crucial stretch of the season.

For the first time since the draw with Sunderland in early November, Arsenal were able to pair Gabriel with William Saliba at centre-back — and the impact was unmistakable.

There were early warning signs. Gabriel followed Morgan Rogers too high up the pitch on occasion, leaving space behind as Villa tried to play through the press. But after the break, he delivered exactly what Arsenal have been missing.

He opened the scoring from a corner, overpowering Emiliano Martínez to bundle the ball home, and then led by example defensively. One moment summed it up: bravely stooping to head clear as Youri Tielemans lined up a volley, taking a knock but instantly bouncing back to his feet.

Later, he flung himself in the way of Rogers’ shot, then turned to the crowd and roared — a reaction that matched the emotion of his goal. When he eventually went down late on with what looked like cramp, his job was done.

Arsenal’s warrior is back — and so is their defensive authority.

This was a night that both reassured and warned Arsenal. The attacking power and defensive leadership are there. The title credentials are undeniable. But the absence of Declan Rice showed just how fine the margins remain.

If Arsenal can keep key figures fit — and harness the intensity they showed in that second half — 2026 could be very special indeed.

Was this Arsenal’s most complete performance of the season — and have they now set the benchmark in the title race?