3 things we learned from Aston Villa vs. Arsenal

Arsenal climbed back to the top of the Premier League with a comfortable 2-1 victory at Aston Villa in what continues to be a closely contested title race. Here are 3 things that we learned from the match.

1. Santi Cazorla is the key for Arsenal

Mesut Ozil may have been the marquee signing this summer, but it is last summer’s signing Santi Cazorla who seems to be pulling all the strings for Arsenal. He plays in a slightly deeper role than the German and roams around the field looking for the ball, always eyeing a pass. He completed 79 out of 89 attempted passes last night, and even though one of the failed attempts led to Villa’s goal, the Spaniard looked busy all night.

He made his presence defensively felt also with 3 successful tackles, 2 interceptions and 4 clearances- Ozil didn’t even register in any of those parameters, suggesting that the Spaniard is not just about making that incisive pass, but also working his socks off for the team when it is needed. Going forward, Ozil may get the headlines but Cazorla is going to be more crucial to Arsenal’s title challenge. (Stats as per squawka)

2. Christian Benteke knows where the goal is

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke ended a goalless streak that lasted over 12 games. The Belgian’s goal gave Villa a glimmer of hope late on in the game, but Arsenal held on for the win. Benteke hadn’t scored since mid-September and his barren spell looked as though it would continue at Villa Park last night after a quiet game, but he managed to get away from his marker at the far post to nod the ball home.

He looked focused and much sharper tonight than he has been looking recently, owing partly to a calf injury that he’d been carrying. He was the Villa target man, and they looked to lump it forward to the big Belgian every opportunity they got. He showed that he hasn’t lost his predatory instincts with the well taken goal which will undoubtedly be a boost for him and the team ahead of their trip to Anfield next Saturday to face an in-form Liverpool side.

3. The title race could go down to the wire

Arsenal put in the kind of performance expected of title challengers- they came, bossed the home team around, got two quick goals and saw the game out with any major problems- a clinical display away from home. With all the teams around them winning this weekend, Arsenal needed to win or risk falling behind in the title race, and they did win.

This year, the title race promises to be one of the most closely fought ever with the top three being separated by just two points. Both Manchester City and Chelsea look unlikely to drop points and Arsenal will have to remain on their toes throughout to prevent themselves from slipping up. With Arsenal being in the lead, the title is theirs to lose this season.