Gunners seize the initiative

A few myths were nailed and a few home truths emerged from the Emirates on Saturday as Arsenal dismantled a dismal Aston Villa to move three points clear of Tottenham and into the position of favourites to finish third in the Premier League.

The notion that the Gunners are a one-man — or should it be one Van — team, was well and truly buried as they turned on a goal feast without Robin van Persie getting on the scoresheet.

For the second successive game, Arsenal won without their talisman adding to his tally of 33 goals.