AARON RAMSEY was in "imperious" form yesterday as Arsenal swept to the top of the table, according to Garth Crooks.
The 24-year-old capped off a man-of-the-match display against Aston Villa by following up Olivier Giroud's opener to secure a 2-0 win.
Ramsey has returned to his natural position in the centre of the park following injuries to Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin and stepped up to the plate in Alexis Sanchez's absence.
The Welshman cut a frustrated figure on the wing at the start of the season but he has been crucial during a brilliant week for Arsenal that also saw them reach the Champions League last 16.
"I find it quite interesting that Aaron Ramsey is starting to look at his best again without the presence of injured pair Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla," Crooks wrote in his latest BBC blog.
"There is no doubt in my mind that the Wales international features far more in Arsenal's build-up play when they are not around.
"And on this display, against an utterly outclassed Aston Villa, he looked imperious.
"When both Sanchez and Cazorla come back into the fold it will be very interesting to see if he can retain the commanding presence he showed at Villa Park."
Ramsey has scored three goals in 12 Premier League games this season.