Arsenal crush Aston Villa 4-1 to go five points clear at the top, capitalising on a Martinez error to make a major title race statement.
LONDON: Arsenal delivered a powerful statement in the Premier League title race with a ruthless 4-1 victory over rivals Aston Villa.
The leaders capitalised on a costly error from Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to take control in the second half at the Emirates Stadium.
Martinez fumbled a corner in the 48th minute, allowing Gabriel Magalhaes to bundle the ball home for the opening goal.
Martin Zubimendi doubled the lead just four minutes later, slotting home after being played through by Martin Odegaard.
Leandro Trossard lashed in a third from the edge of the area in the 69th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
Gabriel Jesus completed the scoring with a fine curling effort for his first goal since returning from a long-term knee injury.
Ollie Watkins grabbed a late consolation for Villa in stoppage-time, but it did little to dampen Arsenal’s celebrations.
The victory extends Arsenal’s lead at the top to five points over second-placed Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s side, chasing a first English title since 2004, have now won four of their last five league games.
Third-placed Villa, who had equalled a club record with 11 successive wins, now trail the leaders by six points.
The defeat is Villa’s first since losing to Liverpool on November 1, puncturing their momentum in the title race.
