The Premier League title race is well and truly back on after Arsenal's defeat to Aston Villa, with the top four separated by just eight points after 16 games
Luke Thrower and Neil Docking
09:38, 07 Dec 2025
Mikel Arteta
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Mikel Arteta's Arsenal's commanding lead has crumbled to just two points(Image: Getty Images)
The Premier League title race has reignited, with Arsenal's last-minute loss to Aston Villa blowing it wide open at the top.
The Gunners fell behind in the first half, as Matty Cash gave the Villa Park crowd some hope of securing nine wins in their last 10. Super-sub Leandro Trossard seemed to pull the visitors back into the game, but there was a late twist. After a scramble in the box that Arsenal couldn't clear, Emiliano Buendia pounced on a loose ball, smashing home a shot that sent the home fans into raptures.
This result brought Aston Villa within three points of Arsenal at the top, while also opening up an opportunity for Manchester City. They capitalised in the 3pm match, with goals from Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Phil Foden securing a crucial three points over Sunderland, bringing them within two points of Arsenal.
Emi Buendia celebrates his winner for Aston Villa against Arsenal
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Emi Buendia celebrates his winner for Aston Villa against Arsenal(Image: PA)
Chelsea weren't quite able to take full advantage, gaining just one point, with a less than thrilling 0-0 away at Bournemouth. This means just three points separate the top three, while the top four are separated by eight points.
So, with the Premier League title race seemingly wide open again, here's a look at the next five fixtures for all four sides ahead of another busy few weeks, reports the Mirror.
Arsenal's next five Premier League fixtures
Wolves (H) - December 13.
Everton (A) - December 20.
Brighton (H) - December 27.
Aston Villa (H) - December 30.
Bournemouth (A) - January 3.
Verdict: Arsenal face a mixed bag of upcoming matches that could either see them return to winning ways or struggle. A home game against Wolves seems promising, but they'll need to be on their toes for potential challenges from Everton, Brighton, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth.
Manchester City's next five Premier League fixtures
Crystal Palace (A) - December 14.
West Ham (H) - December 20.
Nottingham Forest (A) - December 27.
Sunderland (A) - January 1.
Chelsea (H) - January 4.
Verdict: Manchester City must capitalise on this run if they hope to gain an edge in the Premier League title race. Three challenging away games loom ahead, and a showdown with Chelsea could prove tricky.
Aston Villa's next five Premier League fixtures
West Ham (A) - December 14.
Man United (H) - December 21.
Chelsea (A) - December 27.
Arsenal (A) - December 30.
Nottingham Forest (H) - January 3.
Verdict: Aston Villa, though unexpected Premier League title contenders, will face a real test in their upcoming matches. Consecutive tough games against Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal will determine whether they can keep pace with the other title chasers.
Chelsea's next five Premier League fixtures
Everton (H) - December 13.
Newcastle United (A) - December 20.
Aston Villa (H) - December 27.
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Bournemouth (H) - December 30.
Man City (A) - January 4.
Verdict: Chelsea will require an impeccable run of form in the next five matches to stay in the title race, especially after gaining just one point from their last two games. The upcoming fixtures are challenging, with a trip to Newcastle always considered tough, and both Aston Villa and Manchester City currently sitting above them in the table.