For Manchester City, it was a clear victory with 3-1 after goals and assists by Riyadh Mahrez.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins scored a late consolation after Portugal's Bernardo Silva was sloppy in his own half.
Rivals Manchester United were about to drop points in their away game against Leeds.
It took until the 80th minute before Marcus Rashford headed in 1-0 after a Luke Shaw cross.
And just five minutes later, Argentinian super talent Alejandro Garnacho made it 2-0, securing the win.
With the Manchester team's victories, City are now second, three points behind Arsenal (City have played one game more).
United are five points behind the league leaders in third place (with two more games played).
Sweden's Anthony Elanga got a few minutes at the end of the match, but didn't have time to make a big impression.
Victor Nilsson Lindelöf sat on the bench the whole match.
On Wednesday, league leaders Arsenal take on runners-up Manchester City.