Reg Chester scores for the second successive game to make it two wins in three unbeaten.

Villa extend their unbeaten run to three as they beat Newcastle but ridiculously this is one of their belated games in hand that the league have decided to schedule in the already packed Christmas holiday schedule.

The incompetence of the League, given these games had been outstanding for more than three months - through no fault of either Villa or Arsenal, is simply staggering.

Villa however manage to raise themselves for a third game in four days including a trip to the North East to secure their second win in two.

Villa also record their fourth clean sheet in 21 games so far in 1931-32.

Villa have now scored three or more goals eleven times in twenty one games so far this season and five or more five times and seven twice.

Villa make it eleven wins, four draws and six defeats in twenty one division one games this season.

Villa, by virtue of winning one of their games in hand, move to a much more representative third in the table, one point behind Albion who have played two games more and five behind leaders Everton.

Up next is the return fixture against Newcastle as Villa are forced to play five games in eight days at the behest of the League.