Arsenal at the double as they hold off Villa
Monday, January 13, 2014
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Arsenal FC returned to the Premier League summit after two goals in the space of 59 seconds from Jack Wilshere and Olivier Giroud, but were hanging on at the end at Villa Park.
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Jack Wilshere and Olivier Giroud scored within the space of 60 first-half seconds as Arsenal FC returned to the Premier League summit, though the visitors were forced to endure a nervy finale at Aston Villa FC.
The north London side were well on top when Wilshere slotted in on 34 minutes, and looked to be cruising when Giroud rifled in just 59 seconds later. Villa, lying 11th in the table but just five points above the relegation zone, were struggling to make a mark before Christian Benteke's far-post header 14 minutes from time changed the complexion of the game.
Suddenly Arsenal, beaten 3-1 by Villa on the opening day of the season, were rocking. Both teams created openings in an end-to-end conclusion but the visitors held on for a victory takes the Gunners back above Manchester City FC and Chelsea FC to the top of the standings.
