Aston Vila claimed a vital 3-1 victory at Stoke yesterday to move out of the Premier League relegation zone.

Villa took the lead after nine minutes. Gabriel Agbonlahor fired home from a Matthew Lowton cross at the second attempt, after his initial effort was blocked.

The home side equalised in the 80^th minute. Substitute Charlie Adam teed-up Michael Knightly and the midfielder fired home.

Villa took the lead with just three minutes remaining on the clock. Full-back Lowton controlled the ball on his chest before volleying superbly past Asmir Begovic.

Villa secured all three points in stoppage-time, as striker Christian Benteke ran clear and slotted past Begovic. The defeat leaves Stoke just four points clear of the drop zone.

Southampton moved further clear of the relegation zone with a 2-0 victory at rock-bottom Reading. The Saints took the lead on 34 minutes. Striker Jay Rodriguez won a clash with Adam Federici and saw the ball ricochet back into the goal.

The visitors could have had extended the lead in the first half, but it took until the 72^nd minute for Mauricio Pochettino’s side to secure all three points. Rodriguez played the ball through the Reading defence and substitute Adam Lallana found a finish.

The victory moves Southampton seven points clear of the drop zone. Reading now look resigned to life in the Championship next season.

At the other end of the table, Arsenal moved into fourth place with a 2-1 win at West Brom. The Gunners took the lead on 20 minutes. In-form Gervinho found Tomas Rosicky, who headed home from close-range.

The Czech midfielder doubled his goal tally five minutes into the second half. Santi Cazorla found Rosicky and the midfielder scored at the second chance of asking. The Baggies looked to be back in the game on 71 minutes.

Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker brought down Shane Long in the penalty area and the big German international was shown a red card. James Morrison scored from the resulting spot-kick.

West Brom pushed for an equaliser. However, the Gunners hung on to three vital points in the race for Champions League qualification.

Other Premier League result:

Norwich 2-2 Swansea

Can Arsenal clinch a Champions League spot yet again?