EPL table: Arsenal lose top spot after 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa

Arsenal’s two-week stay at the top of the Premier League table ended on Saturday evening, after they lost 1-0 to Aston Villa.

The Gunners travelled to Villa Park, looking to reclaim their place at the summit, after Liverpool’s 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace in the early kick-off.

However, John McGinn struck early in the first half and it proved to be the decisive goal.

Villa were unable to sustain their intensity and had Diego Carlos to thank for two goal-line clearances.

Kai Havertz’s late equaliser was disallowed for handball as Emery’s side clung on to a win that surely preserves their status as Premier League title contenders.

With the seconds ticking down, Mikel Arteta didn’t even wait for the final whistle, making a hasty exit from his position in the stands as he faced up to a defeat that leaves his side just a point above Villa.