ARSENAL extended their lead at the summit of the Premier League table with a rout of Aston Villa.
The Gunners stretched their lead at the top of the table with a 4-1 win over Unai Emery‘s troops.
Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus saw off the challenge of Villa and moved the north Londoners five points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
City do, however, have a game in hand on Mikel Arteta‘s troops.
SunSport’s Charlie Wyett was in attendance at Emirates and is on hand to rate and slate the displays turned in by Arteta’s charges.
DAVID RAYA – 6/10
Despite a few major scares in the first half with the Arsenal defence switching off, he actually had very little to do.
‘CAN’T BELIEVE IT’
Dua Lipa and Callum Turner spotted at Arsenal vs Aston Villa clash
JURRIEN TIMBER – 6
It was a big relief to see Timber back at right-back after missing the Brighton game with injury. Won possession to set up Trossard for the third.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 6
Had a dodgy spell in the first half but delivered an Important sliding tackle to take the ball away from Ollie Watkins before half-time.
Even though the flag was ultimately raised, had Watkins scored, VAR could have allowed it.
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 6
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Made his first start since the 2-2 draw at Sunderland on November 8 and ended up scoring the opening goal, much to the delight of the crowd.
Had a few nervous moments after scoring as there was a VAR check to see if the ball had come off his arm.
PIERO HINCAPIE – 7
Playing at left-back, decent early cross for Gyokeres and looked a decent replacement for the injured Calafiori.
This, though, is bad news for Myles Lewis-Skelly.
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI – 7
Only his third goal in an Arsenal shirt but what an important one that could prove to be.
Once it was 2-0, there was no way back for Villa. He took the effort superbly and is proving to be a brilliant signing. A class act.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 8
Impressive – and they needed a captain’s performance in the absence of Rice.
Won possession brilliantly to set up Zubimendi. Denied a goal by Martinez’s super save.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
After a bright start, really struggled to see much of the ball but delivered the corner which led to the goal.
Looks as though he needs a couple of games on the bench for a rest.
MIKEL MERINO – 5
Not a great performance. Tried to get Onana sent off by falling over theatrically and off the pace. It was not a surprise when he was subbed.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 7
Brilliant finish to seal the game and also set up Jesus for the fourth.
Delivered some decent crosses from the left in the first half. Enjoying an excellent eason, though.
VIKTOR GYOKERES – 5
Still struggling. Wasted an excellent early chance when he headed over and his second touch came in the 33rd minute when he cleared a corner. Went close with another header.
Subs
Norgaard (for Merino 73 mins) 6
Lewis-Skelly (for Gabriel 77 mins) 6
Jesus (for Gyokeres 77 mins) 7.
Madueke (for Saka 83 mins) 5
White (for Timber 83 mins) 5.
Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Eze, Martinelli, Havertz.