Arsenal move five points clear with commanding win over Villa

Arsenal scored four second-half goals as they thumped Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium to end the year five points clear at the top of the Premier League. Centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes broke the deadlock with Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus all getting in on the act. Ollie Watkins scored a late consolation goal for the Villains.

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Super sub Watkins bags brace as Villa beat Chelsea

Ollie Watkins emerged from the bench to spearhead a superb Aston Villa revival as they came from behind to confirm their Premier League title credentials at Chelsea with an 11th successive win in all competitions. Chelsea deservedly led after 37 minutes when striker Joao Pedro got a vital touch in a goalmouth scramble however Watkin’s second half introduction proved to be an inspired move from Unai Emery as the Villans continue to fly high.

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Marcus Rashford likely to miss rest of season

Marcus Rashford is expected to miss the rest of Aston Villa’s season because of the hamstring injury that forced him out of their FA Cup semi-final defeat by Crystal Palace on Saturday. The on-loan England forward will have a scan but is not thought to require surgery. There is a slim possibility Rashford, whose injury rehabilitation will take place at Villa, could return to face Tottenham on 18 May.

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Saar hits double as Palace down Villa to reach FA Cup Final

Crystal Palace outplayed Aston Villa as they reached the FA Cup final for only the third time with two brilliant goals by Ismaila Sarr and another by Eberechi Eze sealing a 3-0 victory at Wembley on Saturday. Palace’s fans, dreaming of a first major trophy in the south London club’s 119-year history, cranked up the volume from the first minute and were rewarded in thrilling fashion.

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Nunes gives City late win over Villa in race for Champions League

Matheus Nunes’ stoppage-time strike sealed Manchester City a potentially crucial 2-1 win against top-five rivals Aston Villa as the quest for Champions League qualification intensifies. Neither side could afford a slip-up on Tuesday as the FA Cup semi-finalists sought to head to Wembley on the back of an important result in the battle to reach European football’s top table.

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