As 2026 dawns, Arsenal stand taller in the Premier League title race, their recent 4-1 thrashing of Aston Villa on December 30, 2025, now amplified by Manchester City’s frustrating 0-0 result against Sunderland on New Year’s Day.
Arsenal’s Second-Half Rampage
The Gunners’ victory extended their lead to four points, injecting fresh momentum into Mikel Arteta‘s campaign. At the Emirates, Arsenal avenged an earlier loss to Villa with a clinical second-half display. The breakthrough came in the 48th minute when Emiliano Martínez flapped at Bukayo Saka’s corner, the ball traveling off Gabriel Magalhães‘ thigh into the net. Martín Zubimendi doubled the lead four minutes later, pouncing on Martin Ødegaard’s incisive pass. Leandro Trossard curled in a stunner from distance in the 69th, before substitute Gabriel Jesus sealed the rout with a curling finish in the 78th. Ollie Watkins’ late consolation couldn’t mask Villa’s collapse, ending their 11-game winning streak. Ødegaard’s command underscored Arsenal’s growing fluency.
Arsenal now have a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, following Manchester City’s 0-0 draw at Sunderland tonight. 🔝
A good start to 2026. 😁 pic.twitter.com/a6Y4AV63zI
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) January 1, 2026
City’s Goalless Frustration
Contrastingly, Pep Guardiola’s City dominated possession at the Stadium of Light but lacked killer instinct. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden spurned chances, with Robin Røefs denying them repeatedly. A disallowed Bernardo Silva goal and Josko Gvardiol’s post-rattling bicycle kick increased their wastefulness. “We tried everything but couldn’t,” sighed Guardiola. The draw halted City’s momentum, leaving them exposed.
📊 Arsenal extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to four points, after Manchester City drew at Sunderland tonight. ✅📈
Starting 2026 the right way… 👀 pic.twitter.com/VSoXbvhJC4
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) January 1, 2026
Injury Woes Mount for Guardiola
Compounding the damage, City suffered double blows: Nico González limped off at halftime, replaced by Rodri, while winger Savinho exited early for Jeremy Doku. These fresh concerns strain an already thin squad.
Arteta’s Cautious Optimism
Arsenal are not without any injury. Declan Rice’s knee issue is “short-term,” per Arteta, but Riccardo Calafiori remains sidelined. With Bournemouth looming Saturday, Arteta tempers excitement: “It’s a statement, but the race is long.” Yet, as City reel, Arsenal smell blood and the Premier League title race favors the Emirates.
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