‘We Know What We Want’ — Arteta Targets EPL Glory After Arsenal Crush Villa

Mikel Arteta has sent a strong warning to Arsenal’s Premier League title rivals, insisting his side’s emphatic 4–1 victory over Aston Villa proves they are firmly on course to end a 22-year wait for the league crown.

Arsenal delivered a major statement in the title race on Tuesday night at the Emirates Stadium, tearing Villa apart with a devastating second-half display.

The breakthrough came after a costly error by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, whose failure to hold a corner allowed Gabriel Magalhaes to force the ball home. Martin Zubimendi quickly doubled the lead before Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus added further goals to seal a commanding win.

Ollie Watkins’ stoppage-time strike offered little consolation for Villa, who were punished for failing to capitalise on their first-half dominance.

After earlier setbacks against Villa and Liverpool, and draws with Manchester City and Chelsea, the result marked Arsenal’s first true landmark victory in their push for the title this season.

Arteta described the performance as evidence that Arsenal have the quality and mentality to finally lift the Premier League trophy after finishing runners-up in the past three campaigns.

“Well, it has been a great 2025 on a personal and professional level. The way these guys, the club and the staff make me enjoy my work every single day is brilliant,” Arteta said.

“In 2026, we know what we want. We will have to work really hard for it every single day, but I think we are on the right tracks for it.”

The win leaves Arsenal five points clear at the top of the table, ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand against Sunderland on Thursday. Villa, in third place, trail the leaders by six points.

Ending Villa’s club record-equalling 11-match winning streak also brought satisfaction for Arteta, following the late defeat suffered at the hands of Unai Emery’s side earlier in December.

“It is a beautiful evening. That was a very tough match, as we knew it would be, because they are a top opponent,” Arteta said.

“The first 10 minutes were a bit shaky and we had to adjust things. After that, we grabbed the game and we were creating the chances.

“The way we started the second half was amazing. We really turned things up and were efficient in everything that we did.

“We had to be really meticulous. It’s a big credit to my players because against this team it isn’t easy.”

After a run of narrow one-goal wins, Arteta felt the quality of Arsenal’s finishing made the difference this time.

“We needed scrappy goals to win other games but today the quality of our finishing was top and made the difference,” he said.

He also praised defender Gabriel for an impressive return after six weeks out injured.

“We saw it today. He came back after six weeks out and composed himself against one of the best strikers in the league in Ollie Watkins. I thought he was tremendous,” Arteta added.

There was a brief touchline talking point after Arteta and Emery did not shake hands at full time, with the Villa boss suggesting his counterpart was caught up in celebrations.

“When I finish the match I am always waiting to shake hands with another coach but he was with his coaches and I can’t wait for him. Of course, I was there but no problem. I went to my dressing room,” Emery said.

Arteta dismissed the issue, saying: “Sometimes we are in this sort of moment, so it’s not an issue for me.”

Emery, meanwhile, pointed to Martinez’s error and the injury to midfielder Amadou Onana as decisive moments.

“The first goal, how they scored it maybe could be foul but here in England it is more difficult because the referees let you touch the keepers,” he said.

“That changed everything. After Onana’s injury we lost everything in the middle. Arsenal have the power they showed. That is football.”

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