December 06, (THEWILL) — Aston Villa claimed a dramatic 2–1 victory over Arsenal at Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime, with Emiliano Buendía scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time to hand the Gunners only their second defeat of the season. The result allows Manchester City and Chelsea an opportunity to reduce Arsenal’s advantage at the top of the Premier League table, whilst Villa moved to within three points of the leaders.
Matty Cash gave Villa the lead before half-time with a driven first-time effort that beat David Raya at his near post following a deflected cross to the far side of the penalty area. The Poland international, who also netted the winner against Manchester City in late October, ensured Unai Emery’s side held control at the interval despite an even opening period in which both Emiliano Martínez and Raya were forced into sharp saves.
Mikel Arteta introduced Leandro Trossard at the break and the substitute levelled within eight minutes, firing home to spark an extended spell of Arsenal pressure. Martin Ødegaard grew increasingly influential and forced a superb save from Martínez, whilst Boubacar Kamara blocked Bukayo Saka’s goal-bound shot during a sustained period of Gunners dominance.
Villa regained some control late on and Donyell Malen fired narrowly wide from close range, whilst Jurriën Timber deflected a dangerous delivery across his own goal-line. Arsenal appeared set to escape with a draw until the dying moments, when a frantic scramble inside the six-yard box fell to Buendía, who curled the ball past Raya to secure all three points.
The defeat marks Arsenal’s third failure to beat Emery’s Villa in their last four encounters, with the hosts extending their winning run at home to nine matches. Arsenal had entered the fixture at the English Premier League summit but now face renewed pressure from their title rivals following the setback in the Midlands.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
