Arsene Wenger believes a week off can work wonders for his Gunners

Arsene Wenger said that Arsenal had enjoyed a “perfect week” after they won 2-0 at Aston Villa on Sunday to supplant Manchester City at the Premier League summit. “Overall, it was a controlled performance and a great week for us”.

The Villa defender put his arms around Walcott, hauling him down and after a brief pause, referee Kevin Friend a penalty was awarded. “But don’t worry, I’ve had my fair share of bad weeks already, so this balances itself out”.

“He is questioned but finally the numbers get people to realise he is a good player”, said the Arsenal manager.

“For us it’s been a brilliant week, but the preparation for this game was hard with the news of Harry Arter and his family”, said Howe.

But although the outlook appears bleak for Garde barely a month into his tenure as Villa manager, Wenger still believes he can overturn the odds and revive the club’s fortunes.

It seemed nearly like a training game for the Gunners as they passed in front of Villa and took their time to strike again before half time.

“[He does not get more praise] because he does not have electric pace”. He is not spectacular individually but he is a very efficient player for the team.

“I just think his quality is coming out a bit more. He is also mentally very strong, too”.

Scott Sinclair then wasted a golden chance in the 57th when he planted an unmarked header over from six yards.

The win fired the Gunners to the top of the table, completing a good week for the club which also saw them progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

However, memories of Ramsey’s outstanding 2013/14 campaign, a season in which the Welshman scored 16 goals – including the victor in the FA Cup final against Hull – and contributed nine assists from central midfield, meant that Wenger’s positioning him on the right wing always felt like a short-term formula.

Leicester can regain top spot if they beat Chelsea on Monday night but Wenger was delighted with his side’s effort after they had qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League in midweek.

“It’s a big game, we want to win at home and beat City at home”. There are now eight days to prepare and it will be a interesting one but we can at least recover and prepare then. Arsenal’s next league fixture is at the Emirates against Manchester City and Touré, arguably the only other top-level box-to-box midfielder in the division.

Substitutes Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez scored late goals as Newcastle United ended Tottenham Hotspur’s 14-game unbeaten Premier League run with a dramatic 2-1 away victory.