Johnny Nicholson: Humble pie for Arsenal critics, but United join the race

Weekend Talking Points: Chelsea have won just two Premier League matches since mid-October’s win at Aston Villa. That’s why they’re 10th, 23 points off the leaders

BACK ON TOP: Arsenal's Jorginho celebrates his sides third goal, an own goal by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during the Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Pic: Nick Potts/PA Wire

Villa and Arsenal serve up a six-goal thriller 

Arsenal were without Thomas Partey, replaced by Jorginho, and they missed his aggression in midfield, especially in the first half. John McGinn had a superb second 45 for Villa who had won five times out of five when they had led at half time and may have done so once again if Leon Bailey’s shot hadn’t been deflected onto the bar by Aaron Ramsdale, and if Jhon Duran’s one-on-one with Ramsdale hadn’t been well saved. The game was settled by Jorginho’s superb strike, going in via the bar and the back of Emi Martinez’s head.