Arsenal returned to the summit of the Premier League after a formidable 4-2 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park, whereas Manchester Metropolis had been held to a 1-1 draw away to Nottingham Forest of their match.

Simply two days after assembly on the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis returned to motion towards Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, respectively.

Arsenal confirmed the mentality and combating spirit of champions to battle again from behind twice and safe a 4-2 win over Aston Villa away from residence.

Aston Villa began the sport completely, with Ollie Watkins persevering with his positive kind with a objective within the opening 5 minutes of the match. Arsenal secured an equaliser as Bukayo Saka thumped a wonderful volley previous Emiliano Martinez from contained in the field. Earlier than half-time, Aston Villa regained their lead by way of Phillipe Coutinho after a well-worked staff transfer.

Arsenal dominated the second half from the primary blast of the whistle and the crossbar denied Eddie Nketiah early on. There was motion on the different finish too, as Aaron Ramsdale needed to react sharply to push a agency strike from Leon Bailey onto the crossbar. Following a interval of nice stress, the house aspect lastly cracked and Arsenal received the reward for his or her persistence. Oleksandr Zinchenko, culpable for Aston Villa’s opener, scored his first-ever Premier League objective with a agency strike from distance.

With full-time approaching, Arsenal went forward for the primary time within the sport for the primary time. A rasping drive from Jorginho from exterior the field cannoned off the crossbar earlier than a ricochet off the top of goalkeeper Martinez despatched the ball into the web.

Having been awarded a late nook kick, Martinez sauntered into the Arsenal field to offer aerial presence, however the supply went over his head. Fabio Vieira picked up the ball and despatched Gabriel Martinelli by way of to attain in entrance of an empty web, sparking wild celebrations from the Arsenal followers.

A short time later, Manchester Metropolis took on Nottingham Forest at Metropolis Floor. The match ended 1-1, with the champions left to rue their profligacy in entrance of objective. Bernard Silva opened the scoring for Pep Guardiola’s males in the direction of the tip of the primary half with an excellent end.

Manchester Metropolis dominated proceedings all through, with Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan all accountable for lacking good possibilities. They had been punished on the demise as Nottingham Forest discovered an 84th minute-qualiser by way of New Zealander Chris Wooden.

Arsenal now have 54 factors to their identify whereas second-place Manchester Metropolis have 52 factors regardless of having performed one sport extra.