Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal: Barclays Premier League - Live
Walcott finds the back of the net with a wonderful curling effort, but it won't count. Sanchez was caught in possession by Giroud after dawdling on the ball, allowing the Arsenal striker to shift the ball onto his teammate to score, but the whistle has already been blown for a foul. Not sure what he did wrong there, lucky break for Villa.
Villa are an absolute shambles. Gueye receives the ball 30 yards out from goal but loses it when tackled by Ramsey. He cries foul, but Arsenal are already on the counter with Ozil in acres of space down the inside right. It's suddenly three on one in the Gunners' favour and the Germany internationally has the simple task of sliding the ball across goal for Ramsey to tap home.
Well, that came out of nowhere. Walcott bursts inside the box with Hutton on his tail and appears to be tugged back by the Scot. Walcott demands a penalty, but initially the referee looks to dismiss his claims. After about 20 seconds r so, he then decides to pull it back and award the spot kick! Giroud, who sealed his hat-trick from the spot mid-week steps up and tucks it home.
Arsenal emerged from their crucial mid-week Champions League showdown with the three points they needed to qualify for the knock out stages, but equally as important, no fresh injury problems. Arsene Wenger is still without Alexis Sanchez, although he is hopeful the Chilean will return in time for next Monday's showdown with Manchester City. Mathieu Flamini and Aaron Ramsey are expected to continue in midfield in the absence of Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla, while Mikel Arteta, Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere all remain out.
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