Olivier Giroud celebrates after scoring the second goal for Arsenal (Photo: Reuters)
Olivier Giroud scored a hat-trick as Arsenal overwhelmed relegated Aston Villa 4-0 on Sunday to pip their arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur to second place in the Premier League table.
French striker Giroud put Arsenal ahead after five minutes with a neat header from Nacho Monreal's cross and the home team dominated possession.
News of Newcastle's third goal against Spurs caused a huge cheer at the Emirates Stadium and Giroud added Arsenal's second goal 12 minutes from time before completing his hat-trick with a fine left-footed finish.
Mikel Arteta added the fourth in stoppage time.
Tottenham, the closest challengers to champions Leicester City over the last few weeks, lost 5-1 at Newcastle United to hand Arsenal the chance to overhaul them by a single point.
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