Arsenal Settle For A Draw Against Aston Villa
The captain had little influence on the match as his team squandered a lead to settle for a draw at home.
Aston Villa mounted an impressive comeback from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Saturday, silencing the Emirates Stadium. Leandro Trossard was instrumental in giving the hosts a comfortable lead, providing assists for Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz. However, Villa responded brilliantly with goals from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins to claim a hard-earned point.
Arsenal started brightly and nearly opened the scoring just nine minutes in. A corner routine led to Thomas Partey finding space deep inside the Villa box, but his shot soared over the bar.
Despite their dominance, the Gunners had to wait until the 34th minute to take the lead. Martinelli capitalized on Trossard’s precise cross, getting ahead of Ian Maatsen to nudge the ball past Emi Martínez, despite the goalkeeper’s best efforts.
Villa’s problems were compounded shortly after the goal when Amadou Onana was forced off with an injury.
Arsenal doubled their advantage minutes later through a moment of brilliance from Trossard. The Belgian winger created space against Matty Cash and delivered a pinpoint cross that Havertz volleyed home with composure.
Villa, however, responded swiftly. Substitute Lucas Digne delivered a pinpoint cross that Tielemans headed past Arsenal keeper David Raya to halve the deficit.
The Belgian nearly equalized moments later with a powerful strike that rattled the post, leaving Mikel Merino scrambling but unable to intervene.
The visitors’ determination paid off in the 68th minute. Cash’s well-placed cross evaded Havertz and found Watkins in acres of space at the back post. The striker struck a clinical finish to level the game, much to the frustration of the home crowd.
Arsenal pushed relentlessly to reclaim their lead and thought they had done so when Merino, who had been largely ineffective, sent a ball bouncing into the net.
However, VAR ruled the goal out for a handball by Havertz in the buildup. Merino came close again in stoppage time, striking the post, and Trossard missed a golden opportunity when he broke through on goal but failed to convert.
Villa held firm in the closing minutes to secure a valuable point, leaving Arsenal trailing Liverpool by six points. Liverpool also has the added advantage of a game in hand, adding further pressure to Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal Settle For A Draw Against Aston Villa
