Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reserved praise for the "outstanding" Aaron Ramsey following the 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.

After being used as a winger for much of the campaign, Ramsey has recently returned to the centre of midfield after both Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin suffered injuries.

The Welshman was key for the Gunners on Sunday as he scored the second goal to help them to the top of the table, and Wenger was keen to underline his importance to the team.

"He had an outstanding performance today," Wenger told the club's website after the win at Villa Park.

"I think of course he is naturally more of a central midfielder and I pushed him out wide for a while because I believe we have seen many times that when players are pushed against the line they need to shorten their technique. When they come back into the middle again, they are better players."

Arsenal are back in action against Manchester City next Monday night.