A good three points for Arsenal in the end then, and the Gunners go back to the top of the table.

Join us tomorrow night for a full-on evening of FA Cup replay action with 10 ties to enjoy. See you then.

Paul Lambert was also asked if he had any interest in signing Wigan striker Grant Holt - who he worked with at Norwich - and he smiled and said 'we'll see', calling Holt 'a proper man'.

Pick the bones out of that one.

Paul Lambert confirms that Nathan Baker can't remember anything about the first half. A few Villa fans may wish they were in the same boat - but on a serious note, the defender sounds like he is on the mend.

Image source, Empics

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert: "Nathan Baker was concussed, he took a blow to the side of his head. That was dangerous and it rocked us a bit, we had worked all week on the system but thankfully he's a lot better. He throws himself into things, that's what he does.

"Second half we were excellent, we looked great and a real threat. We were lifted by the goal, it's not easy playing Arsenal, they are title contenders but everybody can see we gave them a game.

"You have to give us credit. We came into it but we might have snuck a draw."

We are still waiting for any sign of Villa boss Paul Lambert - ah and here he is...

Arsene Wenger admits that his side is 'short' as they recover from picking up a few injuries. Does that mean that he will be forced into the transfer market this month?

Arsene Wenger on Arsenal's title chances: "Let's take care of our performances, we have got to go forward and always get the points. Then we can see if we can make a difference with the other teams.

Gibson Lee:, external 3 clubs top of the Premiership 3 days in a row. What a race this is turning out to be.

Benhard Naweseb:, external Giroud can score 1 goal from 9 chances, we need Berbatov who is more clinical in the 6 yard box

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: "It was vital because the first half was more about playing, and the second half was more about fighting.

"They made it very physical, put the ball up high in the air and we had a very good resilient performance in the second half. Overall we have shown again both sides of the game."

Lashby from Norwich: As a Norwich supporter, would rather have Paul Lambert than Chris Hughton. Better to lose a game when going for the win than being happy to lose by one...

Andrew: That second half performance proves why Arsenal won't win the title this season. 2-0 ahead but couldn't kill the game off and had to scrape home in the end. They just don't have the same killer-instinct that both Manchester City and Chelsea have. Because of that it's third at best for Arsenal.

It will be interesting to see how Aston Villa approach their next home game, which is a massive derby clash with West Brom on Wednesday, 29 January.

If they play like they did in the last 20-odd minutes they can give anyone a game. Andreas Weimann will be starting, I reckon. He really lifted it.

Image source, AP

Arsenal goalscorer Jack Wilshere: "It's a massive three points - especially because we dropped a bit in the second half. We have done that a few times, letting teams come on to us but we dealt well with it.

"In the past we used to feel the nerves when we were up against it. But this season we haven't and Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have been brilliant all season.

"We knew we could go back to the top before the game began, but we are only taking each game as it comes."

Injured Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey on Twitter:, external Well done lads, had to hold on at the end but did well to see it out. Great to see Chambo make his comeback too.

Defeat for Villa then, but no reason to reach for the panic button. They stay in 11th place, five points clear of the relegation zone.

Liz, Arsenal fan: It's almost unbearable watching Arsenal in the last few minutes of most games. Never confident.

Pasa Mustafa, external: Doesn't matter how you win just as long as you win. Massive win for us!

Duncan Maybury:, external Hate to use Paul Lambert 's favourite phrase but I really 'can't fault the players' effort' this half. So much better

Arsenal back on top then, as two points continue to split the top three in the Premier League. Fantastic title race ahead.

There it is! Arsenal hold out to win and go back to the top but a much-improved showing in the final half hour for Villa and they leave the field to applause, not boos as a result.

Jack Wilshere sees yellow for a heavy challenge, but Arsenal do win a corner which should allow them to run this clock down...

It's so open now - Arsenal have a four-on-three counter attack but decide to just keep it in the corner before Villa break themselves, going long toward the revitalised Christian Benteke. Great atmosphere in the stadium now!

TWO MINUTES left...