Arsenal stumble as Villa fight back to dent title hopes
Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes took a hit as they squandered a two-goal lead and settled for a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.
Kai Havertz thought he had snatched a late winner with just a minute of normal time remaining, but his goal was ruled out after replays confirmed he had handled Mikel Merino’s shot in the build-up.
The Gunners had taken control early, with Gabriel Martinelli breaking the deadlock. The Brazilian pounced on poor defending by Villa’s Ian Maatsen to bundle home a cross from Leandro Trossard. Trossard then delivered again, assisting Havertz for Arsenal’s second goal—his 13th of the season—ten minutes into the second half.
However, Villa mounted a dramatic fightback. Youri Tielemans headed in Matty Cash’s cross to halve the deficit on the hour mark. Just eight minutes later, Ollie Watkins struck a superb volley to level the match and stun the home crowd.
The draw leaves Arsenal trailing league leaders Liverpool by six points, having played one game more than Arne Slot’s side. Meanwhile, Villa climb to seventh in the table, just two points behind Newcastle, who occupy the final Champions League spot.
