Arsenal star says team-mates have new "confidence" in title race after thrashing Aston Villa

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Gabriel has claimed Arsenal will take new “confidence” into the title race after seeing off one of their main rivals. The Gunners defender was instrumental as Arsenal blitzed Aston Villa to go five points clear at the top of the Premier League .

The thumping 4-1 win not only gives them a cushion over Villa and Manchester City but it was also a strong statement by the Gunners. Arsenal are now six points ahead of Villa and they have also turned up the pressure on Pep Guardiola ’s City ahead of their trip to Sunderland on New Year ’s Day.

Arsenal have spent the past few weeks having to respond after City have played first but now the tables have turned with the Gunners also going first this weekend as they face Bournemouth on Saturday before Guardiola’s men face Chelsea 24 hours later.

The Emirates has been a nervy place in the past few weeks as Arsenal have laboured to wins, conceded goals and relied on own goals. But this time, Arsenal delivered with a big performance to end Villa’s 11 game winning run and also put some much needed extra confidence and belief into their own dressing room.

Brazil International Gabriel said: “It gave a lot of confidence to us. We just need to believe in each other. I think it was an unbelievable day.

"We are so happy. We are very happy to perform like this against these guys. It's always tough. We know the Premier League is long, so we need to keep going. We were so happy to get a few points from a big game against a difficult team. So, yeah, I think we are in the lead on the pitch and we are so happy to get the three points.”

Gabriel’s return to the starting line-up is a huge boost for Arsenal as he has missed nearly two months with a groin injury suffered while on international duty for Brazil.

Mikel Arteta ’s men have missed him at both ends of the pitch as they have conceded sloppy goals but also missed Gabriel’s threat as an attacking force. Arsenal scored their first set-piece goal in in the Premier League in two months when Gabriel forced in Bukayo Saka ’s for the opener against Villa.

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It created controversy as Villa keeper Emi Martinez posted a picture on social media suggesting that he was elbowed by Gabriel. But Gabriel did not even know whether the goal was his and TV footage showed there was very little contact between the pair. His goal was also a huge moment after his long road back to fitness.

Gabriel added: “I didn't see yet if this was my goal or not. I think yes, but the most important thing is to get the three points. Personally it feels very, very good. I'm very, very happy. It was a difficult day, but I worked a lot to come back as quick as possible. I'm so happy to be back with the team with a big win.

“I know it's a hard time for us now. But first time injury, I'm always there for the players to help them. I'm very happy to be back and to get the three points.”

Gabriel now insists it is up to Arsenal to ensure that they get their own performances right and says there is no need to worry about what Villa and City do next.

He added: “I think we need to go game by game and let's work together. And don't need to think about the other teams, think about us and need to keep playing.”

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