Villa Shocks Arsenal as Buendias Late Goal Snaps Unbeaten Streak
Emiliano Buendia broke Arsenals 18 game unbeaten streak with a dramatic last minute shot that clinched Aston Villas thrilling 2 1 victory against the Premier League frontrunners on Saturday.
Mikel Artetas team went down to Matty Cashs opener in the first half at Villa Park before substitute Leandro Trossard levelled the score for Arsenal after the break.
The intense match saw missed opportunities from both sides until the Argentine forward Buendia exploited poor defending by Arsenal to score the decisive goal right at the end.
This marked Arsenals first defeat across all tournaments since their sole prior loss this campaign a 1 0 reverse at Liverpool on August 31.
Villa have repeatedly troubled Arsenal in recent years snatching points at key junctures in the title contest.
Once again Villa under their ex Arsenal boss Unai Emery proved a tough opponent with the side now surprising many as title hopefuls after a run of seven straight wins in various competitions.
Arsenal hold a three point lead over second placed Villa while third placed Manchester City could narrow it to two points with a win over Sunderland at the Etihad later Saturday.
Emery had brushed off title talk earlier in the week praising Arsenal as Europes top side.
Yet Villas bold performance showed their credentials as they matched Arsenal head on and struck a major blow to the leaders title bid.
The timing was perfect for Villa facing a north London outfit hit by a defensive injury crisis with William Saliba Gabriel and Cristhian Mosquera all out.
Jurrien Timber shifted from right back to central defence to partner Piero Hincapie but Arsenal appeared uneasy throughout.
Arteta indicated Arsenal are ready to act in January if chances arise to bolster the team.
Extra defenders and forward firepower might be essential for Arteta to guide the injury hit Gunners to their first English crown since 2004.
Chaotic Conclusion
David Raya nearly handed Villa an early lead with a shaky botched clearance that saw the Arsenal stopper dive to block his own error.
Ollie Watkins a childhood Arsenal supporter almost haunted his old team right from the start.
Youri Tielemanss clever pass left Watkins with a prime chance but Raya pulled off a fine stop on his effort.
Emiliano Martinez denied Bukayo Sakas curling attempt soon after while Eberechi Ezes effort from close in was disallowed for offside.
Cash who netted against Manchester City earlier this term caused problems for another contender in the 36th minute.
Ian Maatsens delivery was nodded towards Cash at the back post and the full back rifled a powerful shot beyond Raya.
Given Arsenals single win in their last 15 league games when behind at the interval Arteta introduced Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres.
The Belgian attacker Trossard quickly influenced play drawing a stop from Martinez and then smashing a volley just past the post from 10 yards.
Arsenal gained the upper hand and equalised via Trossard in the 52nd minute.
Martin Odegaard drove at the Villa defence and fed Saka whose cut back found Trossard to tap in at the far stick.
This was Trossards sixth strike of the season bringing his Premier League tally to 50.
Arsenal almost fell to a breakaway as Watkins raced clear for a shot that Raya tipped away at full length.
Odegaards piledriver from distance was expertly pushed over by Martinez while Villas Donyell Malen blazed over in the heated closing stages.
Arsenal seemed set for a point until Buendia unleashed a thunderous drive into the top corner from 12 yards after the visitors fluffed their clearance.