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Aston Villa stunned Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday as Emiliano Buendia scored with the final touch of a pulsating clash to secure a 2-1 win, ending the Gunners’ 18-match unbeaten streak.
Arsenal fell behind in the first half when Matty Cash converted a cross from Ian Maatsen, before Leandro Trossard came off the bench to level the scores early in the second half.
Despite dominating portions of the game, the north Londoners were undone by poor defensive clearances, allowing Buendia to fire a powerful finish from 12 yards in stoppage time.
“It could have gone differently, but the reality is what it is. We went 18 games unbeaten and remain close to the top,” said manager Mikel Arteta, acknowledging the challenge of maintaining consistency in such a competitive league.
Villa, managed by former Arsenal coach Unai Emery, have emerged as an unlikely title contender following a run of seven consecutive victories across all competitions.
Their latest triumph moved them within three points of Arsenal, while Manchester City could reduce the gap to two points with a win against Sunderland later on Saturday.
The north Londoners were hampered by a crisis in central defence, with William Saliba, Gabriel, and Cristhian Mosquera all sidelined.
Jurrien Timber was redeployed from right-back to centre-back alongside Piero Hincapie, but Arsenal still looked vulnerable at the back.
Arteta has indicated he may explore the January transfer window to bolster both defence and attack, seeking reinforcements to sustain a title challenge.
The match featured a frantic opening, with Villa striker Ollie Watkins, an Arsenal supporter as a child, nearly punishing his boyhood club.
Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze also came close for Arsenal before Cash struck to give Villa the lead.
Arsenal responded by introducing Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres, and Trossard made an immediate impact, setting up the equaliser after a slick move involving Martin Odegaard and Saka.
Trossard’s finish, his sixth goal of the season, brought him to 50 career Premier League goals.
With the draw seemingly secured for Arsenal, Buendia capitalised on a defensive lapse in stoppage time to net the winner, leaving the Gunners reeling and Villa celebrating a landmark victory.
