Arsenal Premier League Player Ratings Vs. Aston Villa:4-2:

2 (Clark 51,70)

Aston Villa

4 (Arshavin 38, Nasri 44, Chamakh 55, Wilshere 90+4)

Arsenal

Arsenal secured their ninth Premier League win of the season in emphatic style with a 4-2 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park. The Gunners had endured a torrid week beforehand, which began with a shock 3-2 home loss to rivals Tottenham followed by a lifeless 2-0 away loss to Sporting Braga in the Champions League group stage.

However, Arsene Wenger's men returned to form with a superb performance that reinstates Arsenal's presence back on the World Football scene. Despite missing captain Cesc Fabregas through a hamstring injury suffered mid week the Gunners dominated from the first whistle.

With in thirty seconds the North London giants broke away and Tomas Rosicky fed Marouane Chamakh who fired from close range only to have Villa's keeper Brad Friedel block the effort. The Gunners enjoyed the weight of possession and had Gerad Houllier's men on the back foot. Stand in captain Rosicky when close twice but failed to capitalize on golden opportunities.

It ceased to matter though as Arsenal were playing with energy, confidence and tempo that had evaded them in recent weeks. Once again the Gunners were failing to capitalize on their chances, but Villa's lack of possession ensured the pressure was always on the home side. 

Finally the deadlock was broken in the 38th minute when Andrei Arshavin showed great footwork and sublime finish to score his sixth goal of the season. The Russian dynamo had looked the liveliest of the Arsenal attackers and deserved the strike.

Moments after Arshavin's opener, Samir Nasri pounced on lacklustre Villa defending and managed to round Friedel only to slice his effort wide. The French playmaker had been off-balance when he attempted to fire home.

The inform midfielder made amends four minutes later though as Nasri beautifully volleyed past defenders and keeper Friedel just outside the box. It was the 23-year-old's ninth goal of the season and the goal elevated the Frenchman's claim for Arsenal's best player of the season so far.

As the main break came, Arsenal sat in the drivers seat and looked destined for a comfortable victory. However six minutes after the restart Villa found the score sheet as youngster Cianan Clark powerfully struck home from the edge of the box.

Deja vu surged through the Arsenal fans as horror images of last weeks horrific loss to Tottenham began to resurface. Fortunately, the goal failed to torment the Gunners who responded emphatically.

Four minutes later Tomas Rosicky played an inch-perfect pass to the on-rushing Marouane Chamakh. Chamakh became one on one with Friedel and just managed to slide his effort under the American shot-stopper to restore Arsenal's two-goal advantage.

But the advantage was short lived as 15 minutes later Clark scored his second from a close range header after feeble Arsenal defending enabled Villa to revive their chances of a come back.

The goal ensured the final 20 minutes were thrilling and nail-biting but the Gunners rarely looked like conceding a third. To complement their strong performances Marouane Chamakh was able to benefit from neat build up play and cross to Jack Wilshere, who headed smartly for his first Premier League goal and give Arsenal a deserved 4-2 victory.

Player Ratings

Lukasz Fabianski, 6: The Polish shot-stopper was rarely called upon and could do little about the two goals conceded.

Bacary Sagna, 6.5: The French defender enjoyed some strong attacks, contributing some beneficial crosses and passes. Solid in defence as always too.

Sebastien Squillaci, 6: The former Lyon defender contained the powerful John Carew with relative ease but was caught out of position on occasions.

Laurent Koscienly, 7: A strong performance from the French centre half who has received heavy criticism in recent weeks. Always present to break down the Villa attacks alongside making some vital challenges and interceptions.

Gael Clichy, 6: The Frenchman could be considered at fault for the Villa opener as Clichy was tentative and failed to close down Cianan Clark. However, Clichy was strong and useful in attack.

Alexandre Song, 6.5: The Cameroon midfielder made some vital interceptions and was always helpful to his defenders when in need. Played a number of scintillating balls in attack but was guilty of surging too far forward and leaving the Gunners vulnerable on the counter attack.

Tomas Rosicky, 7: The stand-in Captain was the orchestrator in attack, providing some excellent passes. Deservedly, the Czech received an assist to his name, but was also guilty of being too wasteful in front of goal.

Jack Wilshere, 7.5: Another strong performance from the teenage sensation. Always involved in the positive Arsenal attack alongside showing good strength on an off the ball. Managed to snare his first Premier League goal too.

Samir Nasri, 8: The Frenchman was once again superb. An amazing volley saw Nas find the score sheet and the playmaker always look dangerous in attack as well as combining well with his fellow attackers.

Andrei Arshavin:8.5: The Russian dynamo was excellent in returning to form with a stunning performance. Arsenal's best attacker was always dangerous and was unlucky not to have scored more.

Marouane Chamakh:8: The Moroccan worked tirelessly and was exemplary in his movement and control. Took his goal well and continues to keeper Nicklas Bendtner and Robin van Persie out of the starting XI.

Substitutes

Kieran Gibbs: N/A

Denilson: N/A

Johan Djourou: N/A