Mikel Arteta believes his side is beginning to reap the rewards of their hard work as Arsenal head into 2026 top of the Premier League table.
A 4–1 home victory over title rivals Aston Villa left Arsenal five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who travel to Sunderland on New Year’s Day.
Arsenal last lifted the Premier League title in 2004, and when asked if this could finally be the season to end their long wait, Arteta pointed to his team’s growing “belief and energy”.
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“We are playing every two and a half days; the schedule is very, very demanding. We have some very tough matches and injuries, but the players are still winning, and winning helps all that,” Arteta said.
“All the sacrifices and commitment that you put in get reflected in results and great performances, and that’s so satisfying. But we know there’s still so much to play for.”
The Spaniard added that while the team would briefly enjoy the moment, focus would quickly return to the next challenge.
“It’s a great way to end the year, that’s for sure. We’ll have a good night with our families, but then the next day we are back in and have to go to Bournemouth, and we know what that means,” he said.
After edging one-goal wins against Wolverhampton, Everton and Brighton in their previous league matches, Arsenal scored four in a league game for the first time since their emphatic north London derby victory over Tottenham on November 23.
“We needed this game,” said Martin Zubimendi, who was on target alongside Gabriel, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus as Arsenal dominated the second half.
“We were playing at home and wanted to finish the year at the top of the table. Aston Villa are a great team, tactically almost perfect, so we’re very happy with the performance.
