Overview
- Manchester City closed to two points and Aston Villa to three after Villa’s ninth win in 10 league games.
- Mikel Arteta said the manner of the loss was emotionally painful but insisted the team will learn and move on.
- Arsenal produced nine shots on target as Emiliano Martinez made nine saves, yet a clinical finish proved elusive.
- Arteta confirmed Cristhian Mosquera will be out for weeks, sharpening rotation decisions before Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Club Brugge.
- Selection debates intensified as Mikel Merino was substituted at half-time, Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie were praised, and Viktor Gyokeres urged perspective, saying it is only December.