Goals from Gabriel, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus gave Arsenal a huge win over Aston Villa in a meeting of Premier League title challengers at the Emirates.
Much had been made of Villa’s potential title bid – and Arsenal’s attacking struggles – ahead of kick-off, but the Gunners banished both of those thoughts for now with a commanding second-half performance in which they dismantled the visitors.
Unai Emery’s side had the better of the first half, with Ollie Watkins spurning a great chance early on, but though the half ended level it did not take long for the hosts to go ahead after the break, Gabriel turning in a corner with help from Emi Martinez.
They had a quickfire double soon enough too as Zubimendi doubled the lead following a lovely pass from Martin Odegaard, with Trossard firing in a superb third that was given after a lengthy VAR check.
Mikel Arteta’s side had wrapped up the result by the 75th minute but there was still plenty of time for chances, with substitute Gabriel Jesus curling in the best goal of the match late to wrap up a statement win for the Gunners.
Follow live updates from Arsenal v Aston Villa, below
Arsenal v Aston Villa live: Latest score and updates from Premier League
- Arsenal demolish Aston Villa in the Premier League
- 90 +4' GOAL! Watkins adds consolation [ARS 4-1 AST]
- 78' GOAL! Jesus adds to Villa misery late on [ARS 4-0 AST]
- 71' GOAL! Trossard scores superb third for Gunners [ARS 3-0 AST]
- 52' GOAL! Zubimendi doubles hosts' lead [ARS 2-0 AST]
- 48' GOAL! Gabriel gives Gunners the lead from a corner [ARS 1-0 AST]
Arsenal blow Aston Villa away in sensational second-half blitz to send emphatic title message
22:50 , Chris WilsonThis victory may well be one they look back on in May. Faced with the Premier League’s in-form team, a side bouncing into north London after eight hair-raising wins on the spin, Arsenal blew away the merry men of Aston Villa in a sensational 30-minute, four-goal blitz at the Emirates. To close out 2025, jubilant on the touchline, it was Mikel Arteta’s biggest statement yet.
What sort of message has it sent to Manchester City? An emphatic one. In recent weeks, it has been nervy late-game viewing for Arsenal supporters, so desperate for this season to be, beyond any other competitions, their season in the Premier League. This was a proper test of their title credentials under the lights: the league’s in-form player in town. An ex-manager in Unai Emery smelling a 24-day double. But boy, how they answered it.
Arsenal blow Aston Villa away to send clear emphatic Premier League title message
Gabriel reacts
22:55 , Chris WilsonThis is what man of the match Gabriel had to say:
"It was a difficult day for me. I'm so happy to be back. I think today was a brilliant day for everyone, with how we worked together. Now we need to keep going,” he explained.
"It's very difficult to play against them - they tried to delay the game, but the second half we kept going and we were amazing after the first goal.” he added.
Jesus: 'We won because of the mentality'
22:45 , Chris WilsonBoth Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel spoke to Sky after the game. This is what Jesus had to say:
"It was amazing. I's always hard to play against them. They come here at all times and try to hurt us,” he explained.
“At the start you could see they were trying to delay the game. But we won tonight because of the mentality."
On the return of Gabriel, he adds: “I said after the last game that you could see the difference the moment he stepped on the pitch. This guy loves to defend the way I love to attack. And he loves to score goals as well!”
Carragher: 'Felt like more than three points'
22:38 , Chris WilsonOn Sky, Jamie Carragher says that the result "felt like more than three points, psychologically”.
“The feeling around the training ground tomorrow will be completely different.
"Gabriel being back is huge. Before I've said that he's the most influential player in the Premier League, and we've seen it again tonight.
"It was fantastic for everybody in that stadium tonight,” he added.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa
22:32 , Chris Wilson
Next up
22:28 , Chris WilsonArsenal’s next match comes against Bournemouth away on Saturday, with that one kicking off at 5.30pm GMT.
Villa will face Nottingham Forest at home on the same day, with that one getting underway at 12.30pm.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa
22:23 , Chris WilsonThat’s a win that takes Arsenal six points ahead of Villa, while the Gunners also move five points ahead of Man City, who have a game in hand. They play again on New Year’s Day.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa
22:13 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the final whistle and it’s a superb win for Arsenal as they move six points clear of Villa in the Premier League title race!
Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa
22:11 , Chris Wilson90 +6 mins
And now almost another for Arsenal at the other end! Lindelof puts in a vital block for Villa.
GOAL! Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa
22:10 , Chris Wilson90 +4 mins
GOAL! A consolation for Villa!
It all comes from Malen’s run into the box, with the Dutchman dodging challenges before hitting the ball against the post.
It runs kindly to Watkins, who simply has to tap into an empty net.
Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa
22:07 , Chris Wilson90 mins
EIGHT minutes of added time after all that.Harsh on Villa.
They do almost score though, with a deflected effort hitting the post before McGinn fires straight at Raya from about three yards out!
Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa
22:04 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Villa taking the chance to knock it around but they clearly want this game to end soon.
Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa
22:00 , Chris Wilson85 mins
Plenty of cheers and ‘ole’s’ around the Emirates as the hosts knock it around confidently.
Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa
21:58 , Chris Wilson82 mins
More subs now, with Villa bringing on Hemmings and Jimoh-Aloba for Tielemans and Rogers.
TImber and Saka make way for Ben White and Noni Madueke too.
GOAL! Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa
21:54 , Chris Wilson78 mins
GOAL! It’s another for the Gunners!
It’s so simple too, as Zubimendi skips past a challenge on the wing before slipping it to the onrushing Trossard. The Belgian squares it to Jesus on the edge of the box, and the Brazilian looks up and curls an effort into the bottom corner!
Lovely finish.
Arsenal 3-0 Aston Villa
21:52 , Chris Wilson76 mins
This match might be done but there are worries for Arsenal as Gabriel is down receiving treatment.
Arsenal make two changes as Gabriel and Gyokeres come off for Myles Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel Jesus.
Merino came off earlier for Norgaard too.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-0 Aston Villa
21:47 , Chris Wilson71 mins
GOAL! After all that, the goal stands!
It’s three, and it’s a message to the fans and their title rivals!
Timber won the ball on the edge of the area and the ball ran to Trossard, who curled an inch-perfect finish into the corner using the defender as a shield.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Aston Villa
21:46 , Chris WilsonA lengthy check for the goal, as Saka looks onside on the initial replays. There is another check though, as Hincapie may have strayed offside before that!
DISALLOWED GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Aston Villa
21:44 , Chris Wilson69 mins
DISALLOWED GOAL! Trossard has the ball in the net after a superb strike from outside the area but it’s chalked off after Saka had strayed offide in the build-up!
Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
21:43 , Chris Wilson67 mins
More pressure from Arsenal as they sweep forward again but Odegaard’s pass to Hincapie in the area falls flat as the Ecuadorian slips!
All the pressure is coming from the hosts at the moment.
Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
21:41 , Chris Wilson66 mins
SAVE! A nice passage of play from Arsenal as some one-touch passing and headers end up slipping the ball to Odegaard, who sort of scuffs his shot from just inside the area but ends up forcing a save from Martinez.
Nothing comes of the corner as Zubimendi scuffs an attempt into the ground.
Arsenal 2-0 Aston Villa
21:39 , Chris Wilson64 mins
Great defending from Gabriel as he puts his head in a dangerous area to prevent a shot, and he ends up winning a free-kick in his area.
Arsenal 2-0 Aston Villa
21:38 , Chris Wilson61 mins
The Gunners are in control in this one now, knocking it around confidently both in midfield and attack. The latest foray forward sees the ball cut back to Odegaard in the box, but the captain fires high and wide.
Arsenal purring
21:37 , Kieran Jackson at the EmiratesHow goals change games, eh.
All it took was one corner for Arsenal to get the breakthrough, before a lovely combination between midfield partners Odegaard and Zubimendi.
Who needs Declan Rice?! Arsenal very dominant now...
Arsenal 2-0 Aston Villa
21:33 , Chris Wilson58 mins
Merino is lucky to avoid a second yellow as he concedes a foul around 30 yards out.
Villa’s set-piece ends with Rogers trying a shot from distance but it’s blocked easily.
Arsenal 2-0 Aston Villa
21:31 , Chris Wilson55 mins
Another good chance for the hosts as Odegaard swings in a free-kick and Martinez fails to collect it, though no Arsenal shirt can get a final touch.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Aston Villa
21:29 , Chris Wilson52 mins
GOAL! Neither side has been able to settle since the goal but Arsenal have doubled their lead!
It’s a lovely goal too, with the Gunners winning the ball back high before Odegaard slips a perfect pass into the path of Zubimendi, who simply has to fire low into the corner from just under 12 yards away.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa
21:24 , Chris Wilson48 mins
GOAL! The hosts are ahead and it does come from the corner!
It’ll need to be checked as there are various protestations and flailing limbs, but Arsenal have the lead for now.
The corner comes in and Martinez tries to collect it but he’s under pressure from Gabriel, with the Brazilian backing into the Argentine ‘keeper, and Martinez can’t catch it, knocking the ball into Gabriel and into the back of the net!
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
21:22 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Timber wins Arsenal their first corner of the match, with the Gunners hoping to continue their recent spate of set-piece goals.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
21:20 , Chris WilsonBack underway at the Emirates! What can both sides muster up in the next 45 minutes?
A change for Villa at half-time as Onana makes way for John McGinn.
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
21:10 , Chris WilsonSo, what can Arsenal produce as they look for a vital home win in the second half?
The onus is really on the Gunners here, with City potentially going top on New Year’s Day depending on tonight result.
However, it’s been Villa who look more like scoring so far. Despite all their possession, Arsenal are failing to create anything clear-cut in attack.
Arsenal frustration
21:09 , Kieran Jackson at the EmiratesBy the interval, most of the home contingent in front of the press box had completely lost their rag. It was mainly directed at referee Darren England but also, you suspect, an it was a deep frustration at that first-half showing in which Villa more than held their own.
In fact, with Ollie Watkins’ terrific chance, you’d argue the visitors shaded it...
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
21:08 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
21:05 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the final whistle and it’s been a strange half at the Emirates in truth.
Arsenal have dominated possession and have been better with the ball but they remain open on the counter, with Villa nearly scoring the smash ‘n’ grab goal they desired on a couple of occasions.
The visitors have had the better of the chances and once again the Gunners have failed to click into gear in attack.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
21:04 , Chris Wilson45 +3 mins
A couple of yellow cards to end the half as Rogers and Merino go into the boo kfor separate incidents.
45 +1 mins
CLOSE! This is superb defending from Saliba.
Villa get in behind and Sancho drives towards the area, eventually slipping a pass into the corridor between Raya and his defenders.
It looks like Watkins will tap into a near-open net but Saliba slides it to divert it away behind the goal!
The flag has gone up for offside but that was very close.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
21:00 , Chris Wilson45 mins
A bit of a lull in activity as the half approaches an end. Villa have been looking to make it stop-start for the last half an hour and they’re continuing to do just that!
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:58 , Chris Wilson42 mins
Rogers is very lucky to avid losing possession in his own box as the referee gives the foul against him.
Arsenal win the ball back straight away though, and they’re quickly on the attack, though Gyokeres is penalised for flying in on Martinez to challenge for the loose ball.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:55 , Chris Wilson38 mins
It’s been pretty exciting at the Emirates but genuine good chances have been few and far between in reality, with that Watkins mis earlier still the best opportunity for either side.
Villa have reverted to a more defensive style in the last few minutes, and they’re struggling to keep the ball for sustained periods, but they’ve managed to frustrate Arsenal well so far.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:52 , Chris Wilson35 mins
Gyokeres makes some space to get the shot away in the box but it’s soon blocked in a crowded area. The hosts come again and Trossard clips a cross to the front post, with Gyokeres there again but only able to head wide!
An encouraging, clever run from the Swedish striker nonetheless.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:48 , Chris Wilson33 mins
Digne’s corner doesn’t make it past the first post. It does feel like Villa will be reduced to counters in this match, though that’s not necessarily a bad thing for the visitors.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:47 , Chris Wilson31 mins
The hosts win a free-kick in a central position around 35 yards out. Odegaard tries to bend it into a dangerous area but Martinez reads it well to catch and clear.
Villa go on the counter and win a corner at the other end.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:46 , Chris Wilson29 mins
We’re back underway and Onana is fine to carry on for now.
The Gunners immediately go on the offensive but Saka can’t quite get the shot away before he commits a foul chasing the loose ball.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:43 , Chris Wilson27 mins
A round of applause for Kai Havertz as he warms up on the sideline. McGinn is also warming up in case Onana needs to make way.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:42 , Chris Wilson25 mins
Villa might have started better but Arsenal are enjoying most of the possession now, though they still can’t quite make it click in attack.
There’s a break in play as Amadou Onana receives treatment.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:38 , Chris Wilson22 mins
The momentum continues to swing in this one and it’s in Arsenal’s favour once again, with the hosts beginning to apply pressure as Trossard sees a fairly tame effort claimed at the near post by Martinez.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:36 , Chris Wilson20 mins
Arsenal look comfortable in possession but once again they aren’t managing to create at a decent rate in attack. The frustration is arguably already creeping around the Emirates.
A few clearances are picked up straight away and the hosts come again before an Odegaard shot is blocked and Trossard is penalised for handball.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:33 , Chris Wilson17 mins
It’s Villa who are looking the most likely to score at present, with Watkins the latest to have a pop as he curls an effort past the far post.
The visitors are certainly in the ascendancy.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:30 , Chris Wilson13 mins
CLOSE! What a chance this is for Villa!
Konsa dispossesses Gyokeres near halfway before driving towards the area. It’s a 3-v-2 and he opts to thread a through ball to Watkins, with the England man scuffing a shot from close-range past the near post!
Martinez not Mr Popular
20:28 , Kieran Jackson at the EmiratesThe ex-Arsenal man, in goal for Villa, is already winding up the vociferous home supporters with his slow approach to goal-kicks.
They also think Andre Onana should have got a booking for that fall/dive in the box... and they may well be right.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:27 , Chris Wilson10 mins
A penalty appeal from Villa as Onana wins the loose ball in midfield beofre driving towards the area and falling under the challenge from Saliba in the box. nothing doing for the ref though.
The visitors are starting to grow into the game in possession.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:24 , Chris Wilson7 mins
The first half-chance of the match falls to Gyokeres, who gets a head to the cross from the left but can only direct it onto the top of the net.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:21 , Chris Wilson5 mins
The hosts are beginning to dominate possession even at this early stage, though there hasn’t been anything of note in attack from either.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:18 , Chris Wilson2 mins
Plenty of tempo to the game early on, with neither side letting the other have the ball for long.
Arsenal quickly settle into possession but Odegaard can’t find Trossard with the clipped ball over the defence.
KICK-OFF! Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:15 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at the Emirates! Which side will lay down a marker tonight?
Pre-game show
20:11 , Kieran Jackson at the EmiratesPre-match fireworks and a light show? It really must be a big game.
Quite the scene as Arsenal close out 2025. Players will be out in the next few minutes...
Arsenal v Aston Villa live
20:11 , Chris WilsonWe’re only five minutes away from kick-off at the Emirates, with both sides about to come out onto the pitch.
Arsenal v Aston Villa live
20:07 , Chris Wilson
'I’ll learn from the past game'
20:02 , Chris WilsonArteta has more to say on Sky, with the following regarding a few major players returning:
“There are elite athletes, they want to be pushed, and every game is very important. They’re all willing to participate in all of the matches,” he explains.
On Gabriel returning, he adds: “His presence, leadership, he’s a big boost for us.”
On whether this is a big opportunity, he explains: “It is, and that’s the kind of game we want to play. I’ll learn from the past game as well, but we’re at home, we’re in good form. The margins are small so we have to be really efficient.”
Head-to-head
19:57 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met a total of 206 times, with Arsenal winning 88, Villa winning 72 and 46 ending as draws.
The latest meeting came as recently as 6 December, when the Villans grabbed a dramatic 2-1 win courtesy of an Emi Buendia goal in stoppage time to cap an entertaining match at Villa Park.
Emery: 'The biggest challenge we can face'
19:51 , Chris WilsonUnai Emery has also been speaking to Sky Sports, and he had this to say:
“It’s the biggest challenge we can face. How we are performing, competing, it’s been fantastic but our challenge is whether we’re able to be consistent.
Of course, we’re motivated, we’re excited, how we’ve arrived at this moment with a three-point difference, beceause Arsenal have been fantastic,” he says.
On Sancho coming in, he adds: “We need players, through them we’re going to get our performance. We need to give them chances, support them, to be demanding with everybody. He was working so hard, and we now need to try to give the best of him.”
Unusual routes to the Emirates?
19:47 , Kieran Jackson at the EmiratesPerhaps I was a smidge early, but Highbury & Islington tube station was very quiet at around 7pm - one hour and 15 minutes before kick-off.
It’ll be a sell out - maybe spectators are taking unusual routes to the ground, given the festive season. Given the stakes tonight, I do wonder what the atmosphere around the stadium will be?
All out vibes - or a hint of nerves?
Arteta speaks on Rice absence
19:42 , Chris Wilson"Declan got a big kick in his knee during the match [against Brighton], at the start of the match actually, and by the time he finished the match he had a massive swell up. The game was too early for him to consider,” explains Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on the absence of Declan Rice.
When asked if it's a short term injury for the England man, he adds: "I think so. I hope that when the swelling comes out he can function [and] he will be fine. We miss Riccy [Calafiori] as well today."
Match stats
19:35 , Chris WilsonArsenal have lost three of their last five Premier League matches against Aston Villa (W1 D1) and could see Villa complete a league double over them for the third time in six seasons (also 2020/21 and 2023/24).
Villa are unbeaten in their last two away league games against Arsenal, beating them 2-0 in April 2024 and drawing 2-2 in January last season.
Gary Lineker highlights why Viktor Gyokeres is struggling for Arsenal
19:27 , Chris WilsonGary Lineker has suggested that Viktor Gyokeres’ reluctance to gamble in his attacking play as one of the key reasons why the Swede has struggled to get going at Arsenal.
Gyokeres warranted a £55m price tag when he was signed from Sporting CP in the summer after his stunning goalscoring exploits in Lisbon, but he has failed to replicate that during his first months in the Premier League, notching just five goals in 16 games in the English top flight.
Former England international striker Lineker believes that the 27-year-old has not been as daring as he should have been in front of goal, pinpointing this as a key reason for his shortcomings.
Gary Lineker highlights why Viktor Gyokeres is struggling for Arsenal
Rice out
19:20 , Kieran Jackson at the EmiratesNot too many eyebrows in the press room as the teamsheets are given out, but the expected news of Declan Rice’s absence is certainly a hammer blow to the hosts.
However, Jurrien Timber’s return straight in at right-back is a crumb of comfort for Mikel Arteta, as is the return of Gabriel and Saliba as Arsenal’s first-choice centre-back pairing.
As for Villa, Ollie Watkins starts on his 30th birthday and after his two goals against Chelsea on Saturday - five changes in total for Unai Emery’s side.
Aston Villa team news - Watkins starts
19:15 , Luke BakerPerhaps unsurprisingly, after scoring twice off the bench in the win over Chelsea, Ollie Watkins is restored to the starting XI to lead the line for Aston Villa this evening.
With Matty Cash’s suspension, Lamare Bogarde gets a rare start at right-back and Amadou Onana is in for the similarly suspended Boubakar Kamara, while Jadon Sancho is also given the nod out wide.
Your Villa XI tonight 🫡#ARSAVL pic.twitter.com/BEE2P8XnsW
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 30, 2025
Arsenal team news - Rice out, Timber and Gabriel start
19:04 , Luke BakerAs Arsenal fans feared, Declan Rice will indeed miss tonight’s clash. But there is better news in that Jurrien Timber has recovered to start at right-back and Gabriel is deemed fit enough to start in the centre of defence alongside William Saliba.
Piero Hincapie will play left-back, as he did for the closing stages against Brighton, with Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard forming the midfield three in Rice’s absence
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 30, 2025
🧱 Gabriel partners Saliba
🫡 Timber in at right-back
©️ Odegaard pulling the strings
Let’s end the year on a high, Gunners 👊
🤝 Presented by @deel
Arsenal v Aston Villa team news and line-ups
18:55 , Jamie Braidwood... will be confirmed in the next few minutes. How many Arsenal defenders make it and will Gabriel start? Does Ollie Watkins return for Aston Villa?
Are Aston Villa really Premier League title challengers?
18:49 , Jamie BraidwoodThey’ve won 11 games in a row, including eight in the Premier League - with wins over Arsenal and Chelsea in that spell. Let’s ask Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery.
Arteta: “They are meant to be there when you look at what they are doing and how consistent they have been and what Unai has done with the club.
“They fully deserve that credit because they are doing it on the pitch, where you have to show your level.”
Emery: “You were making the same question two years ago. We had 39 points on game 19 and we finished fourth, in the Champions League position.
"Of course, that was fantastic, but speaking about the title for me does not make sense for us. Now, in December, it does not make sense.”
Premier League reached out to Aston Villa before fixture scheduling complaint
18:29 , Jamie BraidwoodAston Villa manager Unai Emery has publicly questioned the Premier League’s fixture scheduling, prompting sources close to the league to assert that the club had previously received a comprehensive explanation.
The comments come as Villa prepare to face Arsenal on Tuesday night, their second consecutive Premier League away game in London, following Saturday’s match against Chelsea.
Emery voiced his confusion on Monday, stating he could not comprehend why his team would play Arsenal twice in the league before having faced Nottingham Forest even once. Villa are scheduled to play Forest in a lunchtime kick-off this Saturday.
Aston Villa’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany further questioned why fixtures appeared more "convenient" for "certain clubs," highlighting that Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all playing back-to-back home games in match rounds 18 and 19.
Premier League reached out to Aston Villa ahead of fixture schedule complaints
Will Gabriel Magalhaes return for Arsenal against Aston Villa?
18:09 , Jamie Braidwood“The good news as well, for example, we got Gabi earlier than expected, which is great,” Mikel Arteta said after the win at Brighton, with the Brazilian making his return after seven weeks out with a hamstring injury.
“The medical staff, I think they've done an incredible job the way he pushes himself as well, that's what we need because we lost one and we got somebody else back.”
A start against Aston Villa tonight will now be the next goal.
Mikel Arteta provides Arsenal injury update on Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber and more
17:49 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal remain top of the Premier League after a hard-fought victory over Brighton but Mikel Arteta continues to battle a host of injuries.
The Gunners have been hit hard at the back, in particular, with a make-shift defence against the Seagulls including Declan Rice as an emergency right-back.
Riccardo Calafiori was a late withdrawal due to an injury sustained in the warm-up and Arteta has been forced to cope without the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera throughout the festive period.
Arteta provides Arsenal injury update on Calafiori, Timber and more
Unai Emery rubbishes Aston Villa title talk: ‘It does not make sense’
17:29 , Jamie BraidwoodUnai Emery maintained "it does not make sense" to label his side Premier League title challengers before Tuesday's clash at Arsenal.
Villa won a club record-equalling 11th straight game in all competitions - their eighth in the top flight - by beating Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to climb third in the table.
Emery, whose side will go level on points with the Gunners with victory, have a chance to prove their title credentials - but the Spaniard is not getting carried away with the hype.
Unai Emery rubbishes Aston Villa title talk: ‘It does not make sense’
Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal transfer stance for January window amid injury woes
17:09 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the club are prepared to ease their injury problems by “actively looking” at signing new players when the transfer window reopens later this week.
Arteta could be without as many as four defenders for his side’s pivotal Premier League match against Aston Villa at the Emirates on Tuesday.
Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera were all unavailable for Arsenal’s nervy win over Brighton on Saturday, which kept them two points clear of title rivals Manchester City at the top of the table.
Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal transfer stance for January window amid injury woes
What is the Aston Villa team news?
17:03 , Jamie BraidwoodAston Villa will likely reward Ollie Watkins with a start following his brace at Stamford Bridge, though Emery must come up with alternatives for Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara, who both triggered suspensions after being booked against the Blues. Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres and Ross Barkley remain out, while Evann Guessand is at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Predicted line-up: Martinez; Bogarde, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Buendia, Rogers; Watkins.
What is the Arsenal team news?
17:02 , Jamie BraidwoodMikel Arteta’s defensive injury crisis was exacerbated on the weekend, with Jurrien Timber missing out against Brighton after “landing awkwardly” before Riccardo Calafiori sustained an injury in the warm-up.
Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera have also been absent throughout the festive period, while there are now rumours that Declan Rice – who was forced to cover at right-back last time out – has now also been added to the injury list and will miss tonight’s clash.
However, a return to the starting XI could be imminent for Gabriel after the Brazilian featured off the bench against the Seagulls.
Predicted line-up: Raya; Hincapie, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
When is Arsenal vs Aston Villa?
17:01 , Jamie BraidwoodHow can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK will be able to watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 6:30pm. It will also be available to stream on Sky Go.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
The Premier League meeting between Arsenal and Aston Villa kicks off at 8:15pm on Tuesday 30 December at the Emirates Stadium in London.
Good evening
17:00 , Jamie BraidwoodAston Villa have the opportunity to prove their title credentials as they bid to derail Arsenal’s own challenge in a mouthwatering Premier League clash.
Unai Emery’s side, who endured a stuttered start to the 2025/26 campaign, have gone beyond all expectations as they find themselves third in the table going into the new year, sitting seven points above fourth-placed Liverpool after coming from behind to beat Chelsea on Saturday.
Boasting an astonishing 11-game win streak in all competitions, they could go level on points with leaders Arsenal with a win at the Emirates, who have begun to show jitters in unconvincing wins over Brighton and Wolves in the past month.
The Gunners, meanwhile, will be out for revenge against Villa, who nabbed a stoppage-time win in the West Midlands less than four weeks ago in the reverse fixture.
