Premier League: Aston Villa 1 Arsenal 2

Aston Villa winger Marc Albrighton scored the 20,000th goal in the Premier League but a late header from Arsenal substitute Yossi Benayoun earned victory for the Gunnes at Villa Park.

Albrighton's milestone effort came nine minutes into the second half after a mistake by Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen.

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie had equalled Thierry Henry's club record of 34 for the most Premier League goals in a calendar year before Benayoun's 87th minute decider.

Villa defender Alan Hutton was sent off in injury-time for two bookable offences.

Villa have donated the 20,000 cheque from Barclays for the 20,000th goal to their official charity partner, the Acorns children's hospice.

The result was harsh for Alex McLeish's side, who produced their best home performance of the campaign, with Charles N'Zogbia having one of his more influential games.

But their inability to defend set pieces proved costly as Benayoun headed in a corner from Van Persie as Arsenal moved level on points with fifth placed Chelsea.

The home side were the first to threaten and it needed a fine save from Wojciech Szczesny to prevent Gabriel Agbonlahor giving them a sixth-minute lead.

N'Zogbia floated the ball in the Gunners box after a one-two with Marc Albrighton and Agbonlahor's header from close range was parried by Szczesny.

Villa looked more aggressive and committed than against Liverpool at the weekend

N'Zogbia was looking lively and got the better of Francis Coquelin before delivering a cross to the near post.

Agbonlahor was first to react but Aaron Ramsey got in an important block.

It was against the run of play when Van Persie put Arsenal ahead.