'Arsenal reaping rewards for sacrifices and commitment'

ARTETA’S MEN 5 POINTS CLEAR OF 2ND-PLACED MAN CITY IN PREMIER LEAGUE

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Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus celebrates a goal against Aston Villa on Tuesday.

(AP)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes his side are starting to see the benefits of their hard work as the Gunners head into 2026 at the top of the Premier League.

Tuesday’s emphatic 4-1 win at home to title rivals Aston Villa left Arsenal five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who are away to Sunderland on New Year’s Day.

Arsenal last won the Premier League back in 2004 and asked if this could be the season that they finally end more than two decades of title frustration, Arteta hailed his side’s “belief and energy”.