HIGHLIGHTS
Aston Villa win a 15th successive top-flight home match for the first time in their history. John McGinn's early goal was enough to move Villa to within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool. Arsenal miss chance to go top.
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| John McGinn's early goal was enough to earn Aston Villa a 1-0 win over Arsenal that moves them to within two points of the Premier League summit. |
Aston Villa moved to within two points of the summit of the Premier League with a narrow win over Arsenal, who missed out on a chance to go top.
Villa took the lead through skipper John McGinn, who brought Leon Bailey's cross under control before hammering the ball into the net.
Arsenal had a late Kai Havertz effort ruled out for handball by referee Jarred Gillett, with the video assistant referee upholding the call after a lengthy review.
Despite Arsenal pressure, Villa held on to back up their statement victory over champions Manchester City on Wednesday and record a club record 15th straight home league victory.
Defeat will be a blow for title-chasing Arsenal, whose run of six straight wins in all competitions came to an end at Villa Park.
John McGinn has scored seven goals in 29 games for Aston Villa and Scotland this season
Team news
Aston Villa were unchanged from the win over Manchester City, with Ezri Konsa remaining at right-back and Youri Tielemans keeping his place in midfield.
Arsenal made just one change from the win at Luton, with Oleksandr Zinchenko replacing Jakub Kiwior at left-back.
Opta stats:
Aston Villa have won their last 15 Premier League home games, only the fifth such run by any side in the competition’s history.
Aston Villa have become the fourth team to play the previous season’s top two in consecutive Premier League matches and win them both, after Liverpool in December 2000, Southampton in May 2001 and Manchester United in December 2002.
Unai Emery has won 26 of his 41 Premier League games in charge of Aston Villa (D6 L9), more than he managed in 51 games in charge of Arsenal in the competition (W25 D13 L13).
Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey has scored or assisted in each of his last seven Premier League home games (4 goals, 4 assists), despite only starting three of those matches.
What's next?
Aston Villa have secured a top-two spot in Group E of the Europa Conference League and will finish first if they avoid defeat to Zrinjski on Thursday December 14; kick-off 5.45pm.
Villa then head to Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday December 17; kick-off 2pm.
Arsenal have already qualified from Group B in the Champions League and finish on Tuesday December 12 with a trip to PSV, who are also through; kick-off 5.45pm.
The Gunners return to league action on Sunday December 17 at home to Brighton; kick-off 2pm.
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