Arsenal’s impressive 18-match unbeaten Premier League streak ended in painful fashion on Saturday after Aston Villa snatched a dramatic 2–1 victory with virtually the last kick of the game.
In what had been a fast, end-to-end top-of-the-table battle, Arsenal looked set to leave Villa Park with a hard-earned draw. But deep into stoppage time, chaos in the Arsenal box saw David Raya make a sharp save before the rebound fell to Emilio Buendia, who reacted quickest and fired home to send the stadium wild.
The late winner sealed Villa’s fifth straight victory and handed Arsenal their first league loss since August.
Arsenal had earlier fought back through Leandro Trossard, who came on at halftime and continued his fine scoring form. After Emiliano Martínez parried a Bukayo Saka shot, Trossard was there to finish, marking his 50th Premier League goal and restoring parity.
Villa had taken the lead in the first half when Matty Cash finished at the far post after a deflected cross dropped perfectly for him. Arsenal created several strong chances but found Martínez in inspired form, with the former Arsenal goalkeeper denying Saka, Ødegaard, and others throughout the match.
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Arsenal pushed hard after the equaliser, and the game swung from end to end. Raya was called on repeatedly to keep Arsenal in it as Villa surged forward. Trossard, Malen, and Madueke all had half-chances, but the Gunners couldn’t make them count.
Then came the gut-punch. Arsenal failed to clear their lines in the dying seconds, and Buendia punished them, sealing a dramatic victory for Villa.
Arsenal must now regroup quickly as they head to Belgium for a Champions League clash against Club Brugge on Wednesday, before returning to Premier League action at home to Wolves next weekend.
