Arsenal restore 2-point lead at the top of the table with 4-2 win against Aston Villa

Arsenal are back at the top of the Premier League following a 4-2 win against Aston Villa. The Gunners now have a two-point lead over Manchester City in second place, and have a game in hand, which would allow them to extend their lead to five points. 

At half time, Arsenal were trailing 2-1 and had to come out of the tunnel with extra motivation to secure all three points. An own goal from Emiliano Martinez, forced by Jorginho’s shot, and Gabriel Martinelli’s late strike helped them leave Villa Park with a win. 

Arsenal back at the top of the Premier League table – Can they hold their lead now? 

Mikel Arteta’s side have struggled to recapture their stunning form in the last few games. They slipped up against Everton, Brentford and Manchester City, which reduced their advantage significantly. 

But if anything, the manager will want the win against Villa to be a return to their ways in 2022. The depth in their squad has become very pronounced with the arrival of Leandro Trossard, and the impact that Gabriel Martinelli made from the bench yesterday. 

However, the pressure will only go up now considering they also have the Europa League knockout stages to play in a few weeks. Competing on both fronts will be a daunting task, and Arteta will have to turn to the entire squad to compete. 

Manchester City’s draw against Nottingham Forest provided Arsenal with an unexpected boost. But, they might not have the luxury of counting on other teams to slip up later on in the campaign.