Arsenal underlined their Premier League title credentials with a resounding and sure-footed victory against Aston Villa, snapping Unai Emery's 11-match winning run in style.
Much was made of Villa's creeping progress as outsiders in the title race, but the Gunners put them to the sword in what can only be described as a wide gulf of quality and confidence on the evening.
With Declan Rice sidelined before the game due to a slight knee injury, concerns were raised among the fanbase, but the players responded to their latest injury with one of their finest displays of the season.
How Arsenal beat Aston Villa
Mikel Arteta has created something special at the Emirates Stadium, shaping Arsenal into one of the globe's most dangerous forces after Emery was sacked with the outfit in disrepair.
Emery-last-Arsenal-XI-timeless
The win over Villa underscored this new, established reputation, with the skipper Martin Odegaard leading the charge. He didn't get on the scoresheet, but the Norway international played a deft pass for Martin Zubimendi's goal to make it 2-0.
Alongside the Spaniard, he “dominated that match”, according to journalist Sam Dean. The impressive displays of Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard helped too, with neither starting every week but demonstrating the kind of quality that makes a title-winning team.
Arsenal struggled throughout the first half, but they came alive after the break, more energy and intensity. Villa got swept away in a storm, with every Gunner playing his part.
Leandro Trossard celebrates for Arsenal
However, it was one of the creme de la creme who shone brightest against an in-form Villa side, with this particular superstar laying down their claim to being the modern-day Patrick Vieira.
Arsenal's modern-day Patrick Vieira
The news of Rice's pre-match injury sent tremors across north London. It was so important that Gabriel returned, and the Brazilian centre-back scored after nine matches out.
Gabriel celebrates for Arsenal
Three years in succession, Arsenal have finished as Premier League runners-up. But something feels different this year. This time, there is a maturity to match the inherent elite quality.
Gabriel embodies this, and it's why he is on his way toward becoming the new Vieira, who was a 'remarkable, one-of-a-kind' talent, in the opinion of Arteta (and shared by all of an Arsenal persuasion).
Gabriel's Performance vs Villa
Match Stats
Minutes played
Touches
Goals
Shots (on target)
Accurate passes
Chances created
Ball recoveries
Def. contributions
Tackles + interceptions
Clearances
Duels won
Data via Sofascore
The 28-year-old was described by Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher after the win over Villa as being "the most influential player in the Premier League" in both boxes.
He commands the respect and fear of his opponents while lifting his teammates' spirits up and up some more, with football.london handing him a 9/10 match rating for such a talismanic performance.
Patrick Vieira Arsenal stats (timeless) (1)
Vieira-esque? He's not a midfielder, but Gabriel carries the same swagger and skill, so important in driving play forward, ranking among the top 13% of defenders in the league this season for through balls and the top 15% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.
Shot-creating actions are pieces of play that lead to a shot. These include moments such as a pass, take-on or foul being drawn.
His return comes at the perfect time, ensuring Arsenal get the win to end a thrilling 2025 and turn toward the new year with titles glinting in their eyes.
Arsenal have many superstars who will step up and produce the goods when other options have been exhausted. But Gabriel, Arteta's own Vieira, may be the standout, and he is driving this brilliant side toward the title.
AFC Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo during the warm up before the match Related
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