Aston Villa blew open the Premier League title battle with a dramatic 2-1 win over Arsenal at Villa Park, sealed by Emi Buendía’s stunning 95th-minute strike.
Arsenal came into the match as strong title contenders, but this setback highlighted the reality that their path to the finish line will demand greater resilience and sharper execution.
Arsenal respond after falling behind
Despite conceding early, the Gunners recalibrated well. Mikel Arteta introduced Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyökeres for Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino, a move designed to increase attacking efficiency.
Trossard delivered immediately. After excellent combination play from Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka, the Belgian fired home the equaliser, yet another high-value contribution that has defined his time at the club.
Ødegaard maintained the tempo, showing technical superiority as Arsenal pushed for a winner.
Villa punish late defensive lapse
But structural discipline evaporated at the worst moment. Arsenal failed to clear their lines deep into stoppage time, allowing Buendía to strike with the last kick of the game.
The loss, just their second of the Premier League campaign, reshapes the title narrative, leaving the battle wide open.