Arsenal capitalized on a costly mistake from Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to dominate their rivals and secure a 4-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, strengthening their grip atop the Premier League title race.
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The Gunners were gifted the lead when Martinez mishandled a corner, allowing Gabriel Magalhaes to bundle the ball into the net. Arsenal doubled their advantage shortly after halftime through Martin Zubimendi, following a perfectly timed through-ball from Martin Odegaard.
Leandro Trossard added a third in the 69th minute, curling home from the edge of the area after another incisive cross from Odegaard. Gabriel Jesus, making his return from almost a year out with a knee injury, capped the rout in the 78th minute, curling past Martinez to net his first goal of the season since January 1. Aston Villa managed a late consolation from Ollie Watkins, but it did little to dampen Arsenal’s celebration.
The victory extends Arsenal’s lead over second-placed Manchester City to five points, with the Gunners having won four of their last five league games. Arsenal now set their sights on Bournemouth on Saturday, hoping for further reinforcement in their bid for a first English top-flight title since 2004.
Villa, who had beaten Arsenal 2-1 at home earlier this month, fall six points behind the leaders, with Unai Emery’s side facing a reality check after a defeat that halted their momentum following a run of 11 consecutive wins in all competitions.
Arsenal’s performance highlighted their clinical set-piece execution and high-tempo pressing, while manager Mikel Arteta benefited from the return of Gabriel and Jurrien Timber to stabilize a defence that had shown vulnerabilities in recent games.
