Aaron Ramsey reacts after scoring the winner at Aston Villa

Arsenal are now at the summit of the English premier league, thanks to two goals in the first half by French striker Olivier Giroud and Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

The victory over bottom-league Aston Villa has given Arsenal 33 points, one more than Manchester City and Leicester City.

Arsenal’s first goal came via a penalty after Theo Walcott was fouled inside the box. Giroud took the kick, sending Villa keeper in the opposite direction.

Ramsey doubled the tally, following an Arsenal counter-attack that dismantled the Villa defence. Ramsey simply tapped in the ball for the second goal.

Arsenal will stay on top till Monday, to know whether Leicester will reclaim the position. And poor Aston Villa are still rooted at the bottom with just six points after 16 matches.

“It’s a fantastic week – we have done a great job in the Champions League and we really wanted to finish the week with a win and to be top of the league,” said Giroud after the match.

Remi garde: no clue yet on Aston Villa’s poor run

“Hopefully we can have a great game against Manchester City next Sunday. I am pleased with reaching 50 goals, and I want to keep going. We were strong today – another clean sheet, so it’s a really good day. We had a lot of chances too, so it is good for the confidence.”

Leicester will host defending champions Chelsea, in a riveting match on Monday, that will decide whether Chelsea were ready for the bounce-back, after a lacklustre record so far in the league. Chelsea re now sitting 15th on the table, with 15 points, just two above top of the relegated zone.

On Monday 21 December , Arsenal  too will have a big match to contend with, hosting fellow title contenders, Manchester City at the Emirates.

Arsene Wenger on the team’s progress so far: “I believe that our approach was right – first half we were completely in control. I was a bit anxious about the second half, because we gave a lot on Wednesday night, and it was a bit difficult at times. But it has been a very good week. The second goal showed the way we want to play football, and when that comes off it is good. Manchester City next week is a big game.”