Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League after a nervy 2-1 victory at Villa Park against Aston Villa this evening.
Jack Wilshere gave The Gunners the lead, and then just 17-seconds later, he set up Olivier Giroud who doubled the visitors lead in a comfortable first half for Arsene Wenger’s men.
However, it was all change in the second-half as Villa came out all guns blazing and looked to unsettle The Gunners, which they did when Christian Benteke scored late on in the second-half, and despite continous pressure, Paul Lambert’s side failed to grab the equaliser.
The win takes Arsenal back to the top, whilst Villa sit 11th.
Here is some match reaction from after the game!
Arsenal goalscorer Jack Wilshere: “It’s a massive three points – especially because we dropped a bit in the second half. We have done that a few times, letting teams come on to us but we dealt well with it.
“In the past we used to feel the nerves when we were up against it. But this season we haven’t and Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have been brilliant all season.
“We knew we could go back to the top before the game began, but we are only taking each game as it comes.”
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: “It was vital because the first half was more about playing, and the second half was more about fighting.
“They made it very physical, put the ball up high in the air and we had a very good resilient performance in the second half. Overall we have shown again both sides of the game.”
Arsene Wenger on Arsenal’s title chances: “Let’s take care of our performances, we have got to go forward and always get the points. Then we can see if we can make a difference with the other teams.
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert: “Nathan Baker was concussed, he took a blow to the side of his head. That was dangerous and it rocked us a bit, we had worked all week on the system but thankfully he’s a lot better. He throws himself into things, that’s what he does.
“Second half we were excellent, we looked great and a real threat. We were lifted by the goal, it’s not easy playing Arsenal, they are title contenders but everybody can see we gave them a game.
“You have to give us credit. We came into it but we might have snuck a draw.”
