GLORIOUS GUNNERS SWEEP VILLA ASIDE TO EXTEND LEAD AT TOP

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: ROUND-UP

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ARSENAL scored four goals in the second half as they thumped ASTON VILLA to end the year five points clear at the top of the table.

Centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes bundled the ball in from a trademark corner in the 48th minute.

The Gunners doubled their lead when captain Martin Odegaard won the ball back in midfield before playing an excellent pass to Martin Zubimendi to poke in.

Leandro Trossard added a third when he slammed a shot low into the net from the edge of the area. And sub Gabriel Jesus curled in from the edge of the area before Ollie Watkins tapped in from close range in stoppage time to give Villa a consolation.

BOURNEMOUTH forward Antoine Semenyo, nearing a move to Manchester City, set up two goals and conceded a penalty in a chaotic 2-2 draw at CHELSEA.