Arsenal defeat Villa, top English Premiership

Birmingham - Arsenal moved top of the Premier League — for a day at least — with a 2-0 win against Aston Villa, who remained adrift at the bottom of the table.

Olivier Giroud converted what appeared to be a harshly awarded penalty at Villa Park in the 8th minute for his 50th league goal for the north London side.

Aaron Ramsey made it 2-0 for the visitors after overwhelming Villa with a fast breakaway attack.

Mesut Ozil generously set up Ramsey who swept the ball into the net in the 38th.

Arsenal has 33 points, one more than Manchester City and Leicester, which can reclaim the lead by beating Chelsea on Monday.

Villa are currently six points behind Sunderland.