Clinical Arsenal go top after win at Villa

Arsenal swept into first place in the Premier League after a 4-2 victory against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger’s side moved one point clear of Chelsea and Manchester United thanks to goals from Andrey Arshavin, Samir Nasri, Marouane Chamakh and Jack Wilshere.

Russian winger Arshavin opened the scoring in the 39th minute when he capitalised on poor defending to beat Brad Friedel with a low shot from just inside the penalty area.

Nasri increased Arsenal’s lead six minutes later as the French midfielder’s volley from Arshavin’s cross gave Friedel no chance.

Ciaran Clark’s 52nd minute strike briefly gave Villa some hope before Morocco forward Chamakh poked in the third goal moments later.

Clark scored again from close-range in the 70th minute but Wilshere sealed the points with a diving header in stoppage time.

It was the perfect end to a traumatic week for Arsenal, who crashed 2-0 at Braga in the Champions League just days after blowing a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at home to north London rivals Tottenham.

Arsenal’s reign at the top may be short-lived however as Manchester United can move into pole position with a win over Blackburn later on Saturday, while Chelsea will reclaim first place if they beat Newcastle on Sunday.