(Reuters) -Premier League clubs approved changes to the league's Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, the English top-flight competition said on Friday, in a blow to reigning champions Manchester City who did not want the rules to be changed.

The Premier League defeated Manchester City and Aston Villa in the bitter sponsorship vote battle after only Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest joined their rebellion.

The Premier League has won its battle against Manchester City and other rebels following a shareholders’ meeting on Friday. In a crucial vote centering around associated party transactions, clubs voted through proposed amendments on Friday morning.

Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League with Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard inspiring a comfortable 3-0 home victory against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Mikel Arteta's side desperately needed three points to revive their title hopes after four league games without a win and the result never looked in doubt after Saka's early opener.

Arsenal return to winning ways by easing past Nottingham Forest - Mikel Arteta was able to celebrate a much-needed victory in his 250th match in charge of the Gunners.