So, Arsenal are top of the Premier League table - for around 30 hours at least. Leicester City will replace them if they defeat Chelsea on Monday. In the meantime, there is live text commentary of Tottenham against Newcastle and Liverpool versus West Brom on the BBC Sport website.

Image source, Reuters

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech, speaking to Sky Sports: "We have done really well to be resolute at the back and to control the game to get the three points."

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, speaking to Sky Sports: "We believe we have an opportunity to win the title. We have shown what we are capable of and have to continue now, in what is a busy part of the season. We have to maintain our focus and belief. Who knows what will happen but we believe we can challenge for trophies."

Brian Little
Former Aston Villa player & manager on BBC WM 95.6

"This could become very worrying for Aston Villa. 

"Arsenal were the worst team they could have played today, but if this gap to the teams around them isn't shortened by the beginning of January, then your head starts to rule over your heart."

Next up for Villa? They're heading for the north east to face fellow strugglers Newcastle on 19 December before entertaining West Ham on 26 December.

Next up for Arsenal? A home game with title rivals Manchester City on 21 December. Now that's what I call a Christmas cracker.

Arsenal's players head to where their fans are seated. Gunners fans face a long journey home but they don't want to leave. 

Image source, Reuters

Arsenal move one point clear at the top of the table. Villa remain anchored at the bottom, eights points from safety.

'We are top of the league' sing Arsenal's fans as Hector Bellerín fires straight at Brad Guzan from close range.

Villa save their best for last... Adama Traore goes on a lovely run before hitting the side netting. Standing ovation for the substitute from the Villa fans who have decided to stay.

Four minutes of added time.

'Jingle bells, jingle bells' rings out around Villa Park. Arsenal's fans are making their voices heard as Villa supporters head for the exits.

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Villa's last change...Scott Sinclair is replaced by midfielder Adama Traore.

Arsenal's 'Mr Assist' Mesut Ozil receives a terrific standing ovation from Arsenal's travelling fans as he is replaced by Callum Chambers. 

Brian Little
Former Aston Villa player & manager on BBC WM 95.6

"You can see Aston Villa are tiring. They look a bit downbeat now. This second half has been a real test. They are trying their best but don't seem to have the belief they can get something from this game. 

"Despite not really having to flex their muscles in this second half Arsenal have been comfortable."

Image source, Getty Images

Villa are six minutes away from another unwanted statistic in a grim season...nine home league games without a win.

There was a period in this half when Villa looked like getting a goal. Not now. Arsenal have this back under control. A lovely sweeping move ends in substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain forcing a fine one handed save from Brad Guzan.

Ten minutes of normal time left. Villa are back up to 11 players, Carlos Sanchez able to continue after treatment.

Jack Grealish's period of exile from the Villa first team is over. The young midfielder is on for Idrissa Gueye.

Image source, Reuters

Concerned faces on the Villa bench as Carlos Sanchez,who is wearing a protective mask, goes down clutching his jaw after a challenge with Olivier Giroud. Villa are temporarily down to 10 men.