Arsenal further enhanced their title credentials with a no-fuss 2-0 win over Aston Villa on the weekend.
Arsene Wenger's side made it two victories on the trot to temporarily go top of the Premier League table prior to Leicester City's 2-1 result against Chelsea on Monday night.
Olivier Giroud scored his seventh goal in his past 10 league outings for a total of nine this campaign when converting for the penalty spot in the eighth minute after Alan Hutton had brought down Theo Walcott in the area. It was the Frenchman's 50th league goal for the North London club on a day where Petr Cech equalled David James clean sheet record of 169.
30 minutes later and the Gunners were two to the good through Aaron Ramsey who started a full-ground move with a strong defensive tackle on Idrissa Gueye before racing to the other end and sweeping home Mesut Ozil's 13th assist of the season.
The win sees Arsenal in second spot on 33 points as Remi Garde's Villa remained at the foot of the standings having failed to salute since opening day.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Aston Villa: 0
Arsenal: 2 (Olivier Giroud (PEN) 8', Aaron Ramsey 38')
Villa Park, Birmingham - 33,285
TALKING POINTS
- The Gunners just need to continue on with their current consistency to keep their title hopes well and truly alive. They look solid defensively and have plenty of attacking options. Could this be the season?
- Garde has his work cut out for him at Villa. The players do not seem committed. What can the Frenchman do to give them the kick up the backside they require?
WHAT'S NEXT?
Villa head to Newcastle United on Saturday in search of a much-needed win as Arsenal look to string three together when they host third-placed Manchester City on Monday night.
TWITTER INSIGHT
Another great win. Nice way to finish off a good week #AFCpic.twitter.com/dsVqttNfsa
— Aaron Ramsey (@aaronramsey) December 13, 2015Great win ,clean sheet ,top of the league ... Thanks for all the congratulations... It's an honour for me ! 169 pic.twitter.com/lXLP2RkmZX
— Petr Cech (@PetrCech) December 13, 2015Job done! ... and at least one night ! #YaGunnersYa#AVFCvAFCpic.twitter.com/zMSHqcjQIM
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) December 13, 2015.@JoleonLescott: The points are there to be won. We know how vital the next run of games is for the club. #AVFCpic.twitter.com/zfnTTPrWNy
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) December 14, 2015
QUOTES CORNER
Arsenal's Wenger on the form of Giroud:
"I believe he is at the top of his game. He is questioned sometimes but finally the numbers get people to realise he is a good player.
"Olivier has improved technically. He is not spectacular individually but he is a very efficient player for the team. Mentally he is very strong."
Villa boss Garde highlights the importance of soon finding wins:
"We can still be safe but we are coming into a period where we have to win. I see this situation as more of an opportunity than a problem but we have to be ready.
"I still believe we are capable of winning the next game. I enjoy working in this league. We are struggling, I still haven't won a game and I'm very frustrated but I know in football you can change things with work."
STATS SPECIALS
*Thanks to Opta
50 - Olivier Giroud has now scored 50 Premier League goals. Golden.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 13, 20159 - Giroud has now scored nine goals in his last nine away games for Arsenal in all competitions. Voyager.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 13, 2015169 - Petr Cech has now equalled David James' record for the most keeper clean sheets in Premier League history. Dazzling.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 13, 201513 - Mesut Ozil's total of 13 assists this season matches the highest amount from Bergkamp, Gerrard and Mata in a whole PL campaign. Craft.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 13, 2015
TEAM LEADERS
Goals - Jordan Ayew, Rudy Gestede 3
Assists - Jordan Amavi, Jordan Veretout, Gabby Agonblahor 2
Clean sheets - Brad Guzan 2
Yellow cards - Ciaran Clark 4
Goals - Olivier Giroud 9
Assists - Mesut Ozil 13
Clean sheets - Petr Cech 7
Yellow cards - Francis Coquelin 3
Red cards - Gabriel Paulista, Santi Cazorla 1
