Another good home win, over a team that was on something of a roll. They showed why as they got the better of the first half, Paul Merson looking the biggest threat.

But they lacked bite up front, and Arsenal took control more after half time. Henry got the goal from the corner of the box, his shot going through Alpay's legs to the far corner, with David James going the wrong way.

Shortly after, Hendrie was sent off for Villa for his second bookable offence, although it took all the Arsenal fans waving their red season tickets plus some advice from the Arsenal players, before the ref realised it was Hendrie's second yellow.

Dixon, Pires, and Lauren all returned, together with Vieira, and Grimandi dropped back alongside Adams as Keown was rested. All those players named played beneath themselves though (apart from the excellent Grimandi), and we have to hope that everyone was saving themselves for Tuesday.

Still, 3 points against one of the better sides of the moment, which takes us into second, level on points with the leaders Manchester United.

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