He Unai Emery’s Aston Villa defeated Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the last gasp thanks to an agonizing goal from the Argentine Emiliano Buendiawhich caused the madness Villa park and he intensified the fight again Premier League. The win left the Birmingham team just three points behind the leaders and extended their winning streak to seven consecutive wins in all competitions. They haven’t lost in the local tournament since November 1st.
Buendía, who came on in the 88th minute, picked up a loose ball in the penalty area and shot high. For David Raya it is impossible to condemn an Arsenal who had not lost even against Liverpool since August 31st. Until that moment, the game had been a hectic back and forth, with both teams ensuring clear situations from the start under the watchful eye of Raúl González in the stands.
Arsenal came close first: Martin Odegaard tried from the edge of the box after successful pressure from Jurrien Timber – starter due to the absence of Gabriel, Saliba and Mosquera -, but Emiliano Martínez reacted decisively. The Argentine goalkeeper made another save, although he was doubtful due to feeling unwell during the warm-up of the previous game.
Aston Villa responded with one Ollie Watkins very active, forcing Raya to make a spectacular save. On the other hand, Bukayo Saka – back in the eleven – had two clear chances: a shot from outside that Martínez blocked and a deflected header from a Ben White cross. He then assisted Eberechi Eze on a goal that was disallowed for offside.
The home team struck first Matty Cash. After a warning with a shot blocked by Declan Rice, the winger took advantage of a cross from Pau Torres and poor defending from Timber to fire a volley that passed between Raya’s legs and made it 1-0. Villa went into the break relaxed, controlling the game and keeping Arsenal out of their penalty area.
In addition, Arteta sought answers with the income of Viktor Gyökeres and Leandro Trossard. The very active Belgian had two clear chances before the equalizer: first he collided with “Dibu” Martínez and then scored just outside. Until finally, after strong pressure from Rice and a poorly cleared cross from Saka Trossard, an unapproachable right hand scored to make it 1-1.
Arsenal took control and called for another brilliant save from Dibu against Odegaard. Villa responded with a clear shot from Malen and a scare after a poor clearance from Timber. But the game seemed to be headed for a draw…until the last play of the game.
In the fifth minute of added time Buendía caught a rebound in the heart of the penalty area and scored with his right hand to score a decisive winner. With this result, Arsenal remain top of the table for at least another date, while Aston Villa temporarily climbed into second place, just three points behind the Gunners.