For the third sesson in a row, Arsenal have shown superiority in the English Premier League (EPL) after defeating Chelsea inside Stamford bridge.
At one of the EPL matches decided on Sunday, Gabriel Magalhães scored the only goal to hand Arsenal a vital victory that sent the Gunners back to the summit of the table.
The Brazilian centre-back touched in Bukayo Saka’s corner mid-way through the second half to earn Mikel Arteta’s side a priceless three points.
Arsenal could have put more past their opponents had Gabriel Jesus scored gilt-edged chances in either half.
At the other end, it was a disappointing afternoon for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who started for Chelsea against his former club, but rarely threatened along with the rest of his Blues’ attackers.
The result means the Gunners have re-established their two-point lead at the top of the table with just one game – a trip to Wolves next Saturday – before the World Cup break.
Arsenal lost top spot on Saturday when 10-man Manchester City beat Fulham 2-1 thanks to Erling Haaland’s winning penalty in the fifth minute of injury time, but this win takes them two points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side after 13 matches.
Meanwhile, Unai Emery has begun his reign as Aston Villa Manager with a 3-1 convincing victory against lethargic Manchester United
It was his first game since taking the reins of Aston Villa.
United have been on a decent run of form under Eric ten Hag, but they were second best by some distance as Villa hauled themselves up the table on a frustrating day for the Red Devils and superb one for Emery.
Aston Villa sealed their first win over Manchester United at home since 1999 with a 3-1 victory in Unai Emery’s first game in charge.
Eric ten Hag, who started Donny van de Beek and Alejandro Garnacho and made Cristiano Ronaldo captain, saw his side start sloppily and fall 2-0 behind after 11 minutes.
Leon Bailey scored the opener after using his pace to burst into the box and fire the ball past David De Gea.
The hosts were then in dreamland after Lucas Digne curled in a free-kick from around 25 yards into the corner.
United eventually found some rhythm with Ronaldo and Garnacho on his Premier League debut forcing Emiliano Martinez into good saves.
And they reduced the deficit on the stroke of half-time when Luke Shaw’s wayward shot took a huge deflection off Jacob Ramsey and wrongfooted Martinez.
The second half was a similar story, with the home side starting brightly.
And Villa made it 3-1 after Ollie Watkins cut the ball back to Ramsey who hammered his shot into the roof of the net.
Ten Hag surprisingly waited until the 64th minute to make substitutions, bringing on Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial and Anthony Elanga.
But the changes did little to spark an impact and Villa comfortably held on for a win which sees them climb to 14th while United stay fifth.
In another EPL game, Southampton fell 1-4 to Newcastle, just as Crystal Palace cruised over struggling West ham 2-1.
