Mikel Arteta believes his team are beginning to reap the rewards of their hard work as Arsenal top the 2026 Premier League table.
A 4-1 home win 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 won 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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Arteta said, “We are playing every two and a half days; the schedule is very, very demanding. We have had some very difficult matches and injuries, but the players are still winning, and winning helps all this.”
“All the sacrifices and commitment you have made are reflected in the result and great performances, and that is very satisfying. But we know there is still a lot to play for.”
The Spaniard said that while the team will enjoy the moment for a while, the focus will immediately return to the next challenge.
He said, “It's a great way to end the year, that's for sure. We'll have a good night out with our families, but then the next day we come back and have to go to Bournemouth, and we know what that means.”
Having won by one goal against Wolverhampton, Everton and Brighton in their previous league matches, Arsenal scored four goals in a league game for the first time since an emphatic North London derby win over Tottenham on 23 November.
“We needed this game,” said Martin Zubimendi, who was on target along with Gabriel, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus as Arsenal dominated the second half.
“We were playing at home and wanted to end the year at the top of the table. Aston Villa is a great team, tactically almost perfect, so we are very happy with the performance.
