Arsenal’s Premier League Title Charge Hit as Aston Villa End Their 18-Match Unbeaten Run with Dramatic 2-1 Win

Arsenal’s Title Hopes Hit – Arsenal’s Premier League title push took a significant blow on Saturday as Aston Villa clinched a 2-1 victory with a stoppage-time winner from Emiliano Buendia at Villa Park. The dramatic late goal snapped Arsenal’s 18-match unbeaten run and closed the gap between the two sides to just three points, giving rivals Manchester City a valuable chance to close in further.

⭐ Buendia’s Last-Minute Winner Stuns Arsenal

In the fifth minute of added time, Buendia capitalised on a loose ball inside the box and fired past goalkeeper David Raya, leaving Arsenal stunned in the final seconds.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted the nature of the defeat was difficult to accept:

“In the manner that happened at the end, obviously, it is really difficult to take,” Arteta told TNT Sports.

⭐ Villa’s Rise Continues as Arsenal’s Away Form Slips

The loss marks Arsenal’s third straight away match without a win, following draws against Sunderland and Chelsea, adding pressure from both Manchester City and Aston Villa at the top of the table.

Villa’s impressive form under Unai Emery continued, with the club winning nine of their last ten matches after a challenging start to the season.

Defender Matty Cash, who scored the opening goal in the 36th minute, highlighted the team’s momentum:

“At the minute we’re on a great run… We know it’s not even Christmas yet, so we have to keep being demanding, keep being consistent, and then we’ll see where it takes us.”

⭐ Arsenal’s Response Not Enough

Arsenal substitute Leandro Trossard equalised early in the second half, giving the visitors a boost as they pushed for control. However, Villa’s energy and late substitutions proved decisive, with Buendia—introduced in the 87th minute—delivering the match-winning moment.

“We fight until the last minute, the last second, it was a really incredible win,” Buendia said after the match.

The result represents only Arsenal’s second league defeat of the season, their first since losing to Liverpool in August.

⭐ Arteta Calls for Higher Standards

Reflecting on the setback, Arteta urged his players to use the defeat as motivation.

“We were 18 games unbeaten, and yet still the margin is so small,” he said.
“We have to focus on ourselves and set the standards… The effort was absolutely there. Use that pain to go again.”

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