Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League with a commanding 4-1 victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday night. The win ended Villa’s 11-match winning streak and provided a significant boost to the Gunners’ title aspirations.
Defender Gabriel Magalhaes returned to the starting line-up after nearly two months out with a groin injury and scored the opening goal from a set-piece, Arsenal’s first such goal in two months in the league. The Brazilian’s presence was instrumental at both ends of the pitch.
“It gave a lot of confidence to us,” Gabriel said. “We just need to believe in each other. I think it was an unbelievable day. We are so happy to perform like this against these guys.”
The result puts pressure on Manchester City, who face Sunderland on New Year’s Day, and gives Arsenal a cushion over Villa. The Gunners now face Bournemouth on Saturday before City play Chelsea 24 hours later, reversing the recent pattern of Arsenal having to respond after City.
Gabriel insisted the team must focus on their own performances rather than rivals. “We need to go game by game and let's work together. Don't need to think about the other teams, think about us and need to keep playing,” he added.
