Mikel Arteta says sacrifices and commitment are paying off

Arteta says Arsenal’s sacrifices are paying off after a 4-1 home win over Aston Villa; the Gunners will start 2026 top of the Premier League and face Bournemouth next.

Mikel Arteta said his players’ sacrifices and commitment are beginning to show as Arsenal secured a 4-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Emirates and will start 2026 top of the Premier League. The win — the club’s first four-goal haul at home since beating Tottenham on November 23 — came after a stronger second-half display and sent a clear message as Arsenal chase their first title in 22 years. Arteta on sacrifices and schedule Arteta highlighted the demands on his squad, noting the tight schedule, tough matches and injuries, and said the team’s belief and energy have helped them keep winning. “All the sacrifices and commitment that you put in gets reflected in results and great performances,” he said, while adding there is still much to play for. Match details and scorers Gabriel, Leandro Trossard, Martin Zubimendi and Gabriel Jesus were among the scorers as Arsenal put four past Unai Emery’s side. Gabriel Jesus’s goal was noted as his first for Arsenal in almost a year. Arsenal’s strong home form was underlined by having dropped points at home just once so far this season — a 1-1 draw with Manchester City in September. Player reaction Martin Zubimendi said the team wanted to finish the year at the top and praised the crowd’s influence, describing Villa as a tactically strong opponent and noting adjustments made at half-time that opened the game up in the second half. Looking ahead — gentle suggestions Arteta said the squad will enjoy New Year’s Eve with their families but must return quickly to prepare for a trip to Bournemouth on Saturday. To help sustain this form amid a demanding schedule, cautious steps such as careful rotation, focused recovery and maintaining the supportive home atmosphere could help manage fatigue and injuries while preserving momentum.