By Chris O'Brien
January 18 2004

Arsenal took full advantage of United's defeat against Wolves with a 2-0 win at Villa Park which sent the Gunners top of the Premiership. In Sunday's other Premier League clash, Chelsea's title hopes took a dent, with the London outfit having to settle for a 0-0 stalemate against Birmingham City.

Arsenal have taken full advantage of United's defeat at Molineux yesterday with a 2-0 victory over David O'Leary's Aston Villa at Villa Park, as a disastrous Premiership week for the Red Devils comes to an end.

The F.A Cup holders put in an impressive performance, but controversy surrounding both of the goals which were both scored by on-form French forward Thierry Henry.

The opening goal came from a free-kick which was taken before the Villa's defensive wall or 'keeper were ready to receive the set-piece. Henry's strike was met by furious protests from the Villa team, bench and supporters but the goal stood. The French international then doubled the advantage with a second-half penalty, but there was also protests over whether the penalty should have been given with Nwanku Kanu making a meal of Mellberg's challenge.

Referee Mark Halsey left the pitch to boos from the majority of the 39,380 supporters at Villa Park, but to be honest, despite the controversy it was a deserved win from the Gunners which has me and many other United fans worried. We've taken only 1 point from our last two Premiership outings, while Arsenal have taken sixth, and with the level of performance from United not up to its usual standard of late, things will have to improve if Sir Alex Ferguson wants to win his ninth Premiership crown.

In the other Sunday Premiership fixture, Chelsea gained a weekend point over United but will be disappointed with only getting a point against Birmingham City at Stamford Bridge. Despite dominating possession, the Blues failed to break down Steve Bruce's battling side, and the efforts of their defence and 'keeper Maik Taylor earned the Midlands outfit a vital point. The result is further evidence that Chelsea will struggle against the battling side of this division, and I personally do not believe they will be serious title contenders this season.

So after the weekends proceedings, United fall to 2nd in the table with 50 Premiership points taken from 22 matches. Arsenal have leapfrogged us to the top of the table, and now sit two points clear with the best goal difference in the league to boot. Chelsea are six points behind the leaders, and four points behind United in third place.

Weekend Premiership Results - January 17th and 18th:

Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
Bolton Wanderers 1-0 Portsmouth
Chelsea 0-0 Birmingham City
Everton 0-1 Charlton Athletic
Manchester City 1-1 Blackburn Rovers
Middlesbrough 3-3 Leicester City
Southampton 2-1 Leeds United
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Liverpool
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Manchester United