Aston Villa brought Arsenal’s impressive 18-match unbeaten streak to a dramatic end on Saturday, with Emiliano Buendia striking deep into stoppage time to hand the title contenders a thrilling 2–1 victory at Villa Park.
Mikel Arteta’s side, who arrived in Birmingham sitting atop the Premier League table, were undone by a spirited Villa performance in a pulsating encounter that swung repeatedly between the two sides.
The hosts went ahead in the 36th minute when Matty Cash smashed home at the far post after Ian Maatsen’s cross was flicked into his path.
The goal rewarded Villa’s early aggression in a match that began with frantic chances at both ends.
Leandro Trossard was introduced after the break and quickly made an impact.
The Belgian winger levelled the score in the 52nd minute, finishing off a flowing move involving Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka.
The equaliser, Trossard’s sixth league goal of the season also marked his 50th Premier League strike.
Arsenal, however, failed to maintain control, with Villa responding with counterattacking threats through Ollie Watkins, Youri Tielemans and Donyell Malen.
Just when the Gunners looked set to escape with a draw, defensive frailty cost them again. A failed clearance fell kindly for Buendia, who blasted a rising shot into the net from close range with virtually the final kick of the match.
Villa Park erupted as the Argentine celebrated with teammates.
The defeat marks Arsenal’s first loss in all competitions since August, when Liverpool handed them their only other setback of the season.
Unai Emery, the former Arsenal boss, has now overseen eight consecutive wins in all competitions, propelling Villa into a genuine title challenge.
Villa sit just three points behind Arsenal, with Manchester City poised to tighten the race even further depending on their result against Sunderland.
Emery downplayed talk of a title push earlier this week, describing Arsenal as Europe’s strongest team. But Saturday’s victory underscored Villa’s ambition and resilience.
Arteta’s options at centre-back remain stretched, with William Saliba, Gabriel and Cristhian Mosquera all unavailable.
Jurrien Timber was shifted centrally alongside Piero Hincapié, but the reshuffled backline never settled.
The Arsenal manager has indicated the club may move in the January transfer window if the right opportunities arise a crucial possibility now that the squad’s depth is being tested.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya survived an early scare after a poor clearance almost gifted Villa a goal.
Watkins, a boyhood Arsenal supporter, forced a fine save with a powerful early strike.
Saka, Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze all threatened before Cash opened the scoring.
Arsenal rallied after halftime, but Buendia’s late winner punished their inability to manage the closing moments.
The result tightens an already thrilling Premier League title race, leaving Arsenal with significant questions as the season enters a crucial phase.
