Aston Villa beat Arsenal 2-1 as Buendia strikes late in Premier League clash | OneFootball

Aston Villa Triumph 2-1 Over Arsenal in Premier League Thriller

Aston Villa’s remarkable late surge under Unai Emery gained fresh momentum with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Villa Park, sealed by Emi Buendia with virtually the last kick of the contest. The Premier League leaders, who had swept through Bayern Munich and Tottenham in recent weeks, were brought back down to earth by a Villa side playing with conviction and belief. It was a night that underlined both Arsenal’s vulnerabilities and Villa’s growing confidence as they tightened the gap at the top.

Villa’s Late Winner and a Night of High Emotion

The match swung with intensity throughout, but the decisive moment arrived in the 95th minute. As Arsenal failed to clear their lines, Buendia curled into the corner and Villa Park erupted. Arsenal was stunned by Villa, as Emery’s side moved three points behind the league leaders. It marked their seventh straight win in all competitions and their ninth in the last ten Premier League matches.

Earlier, Matty Cash had punished Arsenal’s lapse in concentration, driving in at the far post after Eberechi Eze switched off defensively. Arsenal’s response came through Leandro Trossard, who levelled with his 50th Premier League goal, having already tested Emi Martinez moments before.

Martinez produced a stunning tip over the bar from Martin Odegaard as Arsenal chased a winner, yet Villa held firm and struck decisively. The victory not only propelled Villa into second place but also delivered Arsenal’s first league defeat since August.

Arsenal’s Tactical Issues and Mounting Concerns

TEAMtalk’s analysis highlighted several structural concerns for Mikel Arteta. Injuries continue to dictate selection, with Cristhian Mosquera ruled out for six weeks and William Saliba and Gabriel absent. Jurrien Timber partnered at centre back, while Ben White shifted to right back, restoring Arsenal’s familiar right sided pattern with Bukayo Saka and Odegaard.

That trio offered fluidity, and much of Arsenal’s play flowed through the right, yet redeploying Eze to the left caused unforeseen problems. His defensive responsibility increased and it was his lapse that gifted Cash the opener. Arteta’s changes at half time, removing both Eze and Mikel Merino, improved Arsenal’s tempo. Trossard again made a decisive impact, his sixth goal of the season reaffirming his importance.

Still, Arsenal lacked the defensive calm that Saliba and Gabriel usually provide. Buendia’s winner, the type of moment Arsenal usually defend with authority, was the product of hesitation rather than resilience.

Premier League Context and Arsenal’s Response

This defeat will test Arsenal’s depth and mentality. Seven more fixtures await this month and Arteta will be acutely aware that the demands of competing on multiple fronts require sturdiness as well as style. Villa’s win places them firmly in the title picture. Arsenal, for all their early season promise, must now show they can respond without key players and manage the rigours of a relentless campaign.