Villa's comeback dents Arsenal's title aspirations
The result leaves the Gunners six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, who hold a game in hand.
Arsenal's hopes of keeping pace in the Premier League title race suffered a significant blow as Aston Villa mounted a spirited comeback to secure a 2-2 draw at the Emirates.
The result leaves the Gunners six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, who hold a game in hand.
The home side looked in control for the first hour, responding well to Liverpool's earlier dramatic victory. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz gave Arsenal a seemingly commanding 2-0 lead, but Villa had other ideas, with Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins each finding the net to rescue a point.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
This was the first time Arsenal had let a two-goal lead slip in the Premier League since April 2023, when they dropped points against West Ham. The draw now puts even more pressure on Mikel Arteta's side, as Liverpool have the chance to extend their lead at the top to nine points.
Arsenal broke the deadlock in the 31st minute when Gabriel Martinelli converted a cross from Leandro Trossard. The Brazilian, in fine form, has now scored in three of his last four league starts, equalling his tally from the previous season (six goals) in 15 fewer matches.
The Gunners doubled their advantage shortly after half-time, with Trossard again instrumental. His perfectly placed delivery allowed Havertz to slot home, capping off a strong attacking move down the left flank.
Aston Villa refused to capitulate. Lucas Digne's pinpoint cross set up Tielemans, who outmuscled Mikel Merino to head past David Raya and reduce the deficit. Minutes later, Tielemans almost levelled the score, his thunderous effort striking the post.
The equaliser eventually came from the opposite wing. Matty Cash delivered a precise cross that Watkins expertly volleyed into the net, bringing up his 10th league goal of the season. Watkins, along with Mohamed Salah, is now among the few players to score double figures in each of the last five Premier League campaigns.
Arsenal thought they had snatched a late winner when a deflected shot from Merino beat Emiliano Martínez. However, the goal was ruled out as the ball had struck Havertz's arm on its way in.
The hosts had further chances to seal victory in the dying minutes. Merino struck the post, and Trossard missed a golden opportunity when clean through on goal.
