Arsenal’s impressive 18-game unbeaten streak came to a crushing end on Saturday as Aston Villa snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory with virtually the last kick of the match.
The Premier League leaders fell behind in the first half through Matty Cash’s well-taken strike at Villa Park. Arsenal responded strongly after the break, with substitute Leandro Trossard calmly finishing off Bukayo Saka’s low cross to level the game.
Both sides created and missed several chances in a breathless contest, but it was Villa’s Emiliano Buendia who delivered the decisive blow. Capitalising on a defensive mix-up by Arsenal, the Argentine winger fired into the roof of the net deep into stoppage time, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
The defeat marks Arsenal’s first loss in all competitions since August 31, when they were beaten 1-0 by Liverpool.
Aston Villa have become a consistent stumbling block for Arsenal in recent seasons, often taking points off them during crucial title-race moments. This latest victory was also special for Villa manager Unai Emery, who previously coached Arsenal and has now led his side to seven straight wins in all competitions.
The result tightens the title race significantly. Arsenal remain three points above Villa in second place, while Manchester City currently third could move within two points if they defeat Sunderland later in the day.
Arsenal entered the match with major defensive concerns. First-choice centre-backs William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Cristian Mosquera were all unavailable due to injury. Jurrien Timber was forced to move into central defence, partnering Piero Hincapié, but the makeshift pairing struggled against Villa’s swift attacking movement.
Manager Mikel Arteta has already hinted at making signings in the January transfer window, especially in defence and attack, to strengthen their title bid.
Arsenal almost gifted Villa an early opener after goalkeeper David Raya mis-kicked a clearance, but he recovered just in time to stop the danger. Villa striker Ollie Watkins came close moments later with a well-struck effort that Raya saved brilliantly.
Arsenal also had chances of their own. Bukayo Saka saw a curling shot saved, while Eberechi Eze had a close-range effort ruled out for offside.
Villa eventually broke the deadlock in the 36th minute. Ian Maatsen’s cross drifted towards the far post, where Cash arrived unmarked to drive a powerful finish past Raya.
Arteta responded with a double change at halftime, and Trossard immediately injected energy. He tested Emiliano Martinez with a sharp strike before putting Arsenal level seven minutes into the second half, his sixth goal of the season and 50th in the Premier League.
The game remained wide open. Watkins forced another superb save from Raya, while Odegaard’s long-range strike was tipped over by Martinez. Donyell Malen also came close for Villa.
Just when the match seemed destined for a draw, Arsenal failed to clear their lines in stoppage time. Buendia pounced and hammered home from 12 yards, sealing a dramatic win that sends Villa’s title ambitions soaring.
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