Villa's 2000th game is also one of the most misleading.

Villa lose successive games for the second time in their last six and fail to score for the fifth away game in seven as they are beaten by leaders Arsenal at Highbury.

But just as in their previous three defeats, Villa's luck was just not with them as they outclass the home side but come away with nothing once again.

Not only were Villa by far the superior side but the goal that won it followed a handball and a foul by Rooke that referee Pearce either missed or conveniently avoided. Either way it was poor officials that cost Villa points again.

Villa, completely undeservedly, fall to joint 11th as Arsenal sit atop the table and with luck and officials like this seem almost certain to take the title.