Substitute Cesc Fabregas with a brace inspired Arsenal to a 3-0 success over rivals Aston Villa at the Emirates. The Gunners turned on the style in the second half after a difficult opening first forty five minutes for the hosts as Villa looked comfortable attacking on the break despite conceding possession to the home side.
The introduction of Fabregas after 57 minutes proved decisive.
Within four minutes the Spain international announced his arrival by curling in a 25 yard free kick past after he had been fouled.
Villa keeper Brad Friedel had previously been in fine form denying William Gallas and Andrey Arshavin.
Fellow substitute Theo Walcott then set up Fabregas for his second on 81 minutes and Abou Diaby added lustre to the final score with an injury time strike.
The victory moved the Gunners to within four points of Premier League leaders Chelsea with a game in hand over their London rivals.
