Arsenal: 4 big positives from 1-0 Aston Villa win

4. Arsenal Carry Momentum Over

There is no way that Arsenal can still be classed as favourites for fourth position. No yet. Even if they boast a lead over Tottenham and are four clear of Manchester United with a game in hand, their fixture list is significantly tougher than Spurs’, for example.

Momentum is firmly behind them, though, and their form struck fear into one of the best sides in Europe earlier in midweek.

Yet it only takes one result to shift the mood. Losing to Liverpool was expected, but if they slipped up here it is a psychological blow to them just as much as it is a mental boost for those around them.

You do not want to head into a two week international break left to stew over dropped points, especially when April has some extremely tough fixtures to navigate past. Once again Arsenal will play three times in a week, only on this occasion that includes Chelsea away and Manchester United at home.

What this result does is let positivity remain. If (when) Arsenal drop more points there will at least be another game shortly after to make amends. Losing, or even drawing, against Villa would present no such opportunity to react.

This was the biggest win of the season so far. Without doubt.