Arteta Says Arsenal’s Grit Is Paying Off as Gunners End Year on Top

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says his players are beginning to see tangible rewards for their discipline and commitment after the club closed out 2025 at the summit of the Premier League table.

The Gunners moved five points clear at the top following a dominant 4–1 victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday, strengthening their position ahead of the New Year. The result capped a strong run of form that has kept Arsenal ahead of close rivals, including Manchester City, who still have a game in hand.

Speaking after the match, Arteta pointed to the intensity of Arsenal’s schedule and the physical demands placed on his squad, saying the team’s consistency despite injuries and congestion reflects a shared belief within the group.

According to the Spanish coach, the players’ willingness to push through difficult periods has been key to maintaining momentum at a crucial stage of the season.

Fine margins, big response

Arsenal’s emphatic win over Villa marked a shift from their recent narrow league victories against Wolverhampton, Everton and Brighton, all of which were decided by a single goal. The four-goal display was their most convincing attacking performance in the league since November’s north London derby win over Tottenham.

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Midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who was among the scorers, said the team approached the game with urgency, aware of both the opposition’s quality and the opportunity to finish the year strongly. He noted that tactical adjustments made at half-time allowed Arsenal to control the second half and stretch the game in their favour.

Villa initially posed problems on the counter-attack, but Arsenal grew into the contest as the match progressed, drawing energy from the home crowd and capitalising on increased space as goals followed.

Despite the celebratory mood, Arteta stressed that focus would quickly shift to the next challenge, with an away trip to Bournemouth looming. He added that while ending the year on a high was satisfying, the team remains conscious that the title race is far from settled.

Arsenal last lifted the Premier League trophy in 2004, and while expectations continue to rise, Arteta maintained that sustained effort, rather than talk of silverware, remains the priority as the season heads into 2026.