Jack Wilshere was the star of the show with a goal and assist for Olivier Giroud as Arsenal returned to the top of the table with a 2-1 victory at Aston Villa.
The Gunners saw every one of the top seven teams in the Barclays Premier League win over the weekend, meaning that both Chelsea and Manchester City overtook them at the summit, but an impressive double salvo in the space of a minute put them two ahead.
Watch Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal video highlights here!
Nacho Monreal played a 1-2 with Mesut Ozil before crossing from the left to Jack Wilshere on the edge of the area, who controlled the ball before side-footing the ball in brilliantly beyond Brad Guzan.
59 seconds later – and just 17 after Aston Villa kicked off – it was two.
Wilshere turned provider, tackling Fabian Delph and chipped a wonderful pass over the Villa defence for Olivier Giroud.
The Frenchman smashed the ball in emphatically after rather fortunate control with his knee.
Arsenal looked in control, but after half time, Villa found their way back into the match.
Santi Cazorla gave the ball away on the left, and Matthew Lowton crossed quickly for Christian Benteke to head in at the far post, finding the net for the first time since September.
Despite intense pressure in the six minutes of injury time, the Gunners held on for a crucial three points.
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