Emiliano Buendia ended Arsenal’s 18-match unbeaten run with a dramatic last-minute strike as Aston Villa sealed a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Premier League leaders on Saturday.
Arsenal fell behind in the first half when Matty Cash fired Villa ahead at Villa Park, but substitute Leandro Trossard levelled after the break. The game then swung both ways, with both sides missing chances in a high-tempo encounter.
In stoppage time, Arsenal’s poor defending allowed Buendia to pounce and score with virtually the last kick of the match, handing Mikel Arteta’s side their first defeat in any competition since a 1-0 loss to Liverpool on August 31.
Villa have repeatedly disrupted Arsenal’s title challenges in recent seasons, and this clash was no different. Former Gunners boss Unai Emery has turned Villa into genuine contenders, with the win marking their seventh straight victory in all competitions.
The result leaves Arsenal just three points clear of second-placed Villa, while Manchester City can move within two points if they beat Sunderland later on Saturday.
Emery played down title talk in the build-up, calling Arsenal the best team in Europe, but this performance sent a strong message as his side matched the leaders stride for stride.
Arsenal struggled at the back with William Saliba, Gabriel and Cristhian Mosquera all unavailable. Jurrien Timber was shifted from right-back to centre-back alongside Piero Hincapié, but the makeshift pairing rarely looked settled.
Arteta has hinted that Arsenal are ready to enter the January transfer market if reinforcements become available — and after this damaging defeat, both defensive cover and attacking depth may be essential for their pursuit of a first Premier League title since 2004.
