Arsenal back on top, Man United undone by Emery’s Villa

Manchester United’s Dutch manager Erik ten Hag gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Manchester Utd at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on November 6, 2022. (Photo by Geoff Caddick / AFP)

Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 to dispel doubts over their Premier League title credentials and go top of the table on Sunday as Manchester United were blown away 3-1 by an inspired Aston Villa on Unai Emery’s bow as boss.

United are now three points off the top four after Newcastle continued their fine form with a 4-1 win at Southampton to go third.

Gabriel Magalhaes bundled in Bukayo Saka’s corner for the only goal at Stamford Bridge, but the slender margin of victory was the very least Arsenal deserved.

Players clash during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Manchester Utd at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on November 6, 2022. (Photo by Geoff Caddick / AFP)

“For such a young team, the maturity, the composure they showed, the resilience and courage to play how we wanted to play was phenomenal to do it against this kind of players,” said a proud Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

“Winning in this stadium is an extra thing, another step for this team to keep believing they can do it under pressure and against big opponents.”

Victory takes Arsenal back two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.

Crucially for Arteta’s men after six seasons outside the Champions League, their lead over the fifth place now stands at 11 points.

Chelsea remains in seventh, behind Brighton, who Graham Potter left in September to take charge of the Blues.

– Emery’s dream start – United was unbeaten in nine games as the Red Devils appeared to be taking