Premier League leaders Arsenal slammed the door shut on charging Aston Villa with a 4-1 home thrashing of Unai Emery’s side on Tuesday that put them five points clear at the top of the table going into the New Year. Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes and Martin Zubimendi early in the second half put the Gunners in control of a contest that had looked fraught with danger against a Villa side riding an 11-match winning streak. Leandro Trossard then struck from the edge of the area before substitute Gabriel Jesus capped a flowing move to seal the rout. Ollie Watkins, who missed good chances in the first half, pulled one back for Villa in stoppage time. Arsenal now have 45 points from 19 matches, five ahead of second-placed Manchester City.