5 Things We Learned From Arsenal’s 2-1 Win Over Aston Villa

Arsenal beat Aston Villa 2-1 to return to the top of the table last night. Here are five things we learned from the game.

1) Arsenal are real contenders

May people had written them off before the season had even started and were quick to palm off their early success as a lucky streak. After 21 Premier League games though Arsenal are still sat top of the table and look good for their position. There looks as though there is more to come, too.

2) Villa are willing to dig deep

Possession was always going to be in favour of the away side last night but Villa did a good job in holding the Gunners back. The Midlands side made forced Arsenal into 55 clearances, had more shots than Arsenal and made more interceptions.

3) Benteke ends goal drought

After 11 league games without a goal, some Villa fans were scared that Benteke would never score for the club again. A diving header at the back post changed that though as he pulled one back for his side.

4) Arsenal are pass masters

Arsenal’s pass completion rate by the 90th minute was 88%, which considering they attempted 635 passes is very respectable.

5) Good to see the Ox

After five months out of action with a knee problem, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returned to the first team, coming on as an 86th minute sub.