Aston Villa Stun Arsenal to End Gunners’ 18-Match Unbeaten Run and Blow Title Race Wide Open

Emiliano Buendía delivered a stunning last-minute winner to give Aston Villa a dramatic 2-1 victory over Arsenal, securing their sixth consecutive home league win and making a significant statement in the Premier League title race.

The match began with high intensity, as both goalkeepers were tested early. Aston Villa's Emiliano Martínez was quick to deny Martin Odegaard after a forward surge from Jurriën Timber.

At the other end, Ollie Watkins skillfully created an opportunity inside the Arsenal box, only to be thwarted by an equally impressive save from David Raya. Arsenal's Bukayo Saka began to assert his influence, but his efforts—a long-range strike and a header—were either saved or missed the target.

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The Gunners thought they had taken the lead 22 minutes in when Saka set up Eberechi Eze for a simple finish, but the winger was correctly flagged for offside. Villa remained undeterred, and a clever move initiated by Boubacar Kamara ended with Declan Rice making a crucial block on a powerful shot from Matty Cash.

However, Cash would not be denied in the 37th minute. A cross from Pau Torres was flicked on by Timber, falling perfectly for the Villa right-back, who smashed the ball through Raya's legs to open the scoring. Arsenal sought an immediate response before halftime, but attempts from Ben White and Rice were comfortably handled by Martínez.

Mikel Arteta made a double substitution at the break, and his team emerged with renewed purpose. The visitors dominated possession in search of an equaliser, and substitute Leandro Trossard quickly made his mark. After seeing one shot saved and another go just wide, he found the net seven minutes after coming on, turning in the ball after Martínez could only parry Saka's pass.

Villa responded well to being pegged back, with Watkins denied multiple times and Ian Maatsen firing a shot off-target. The relentless pace of the game continued as Odegaard forced a sensational save from Martínez, and Kamara blocked a subsequent effort from Saka following a corner.

As the clock wound down, the match appeared headed for a draw. Donyell Malen came agonizingly close for the visitors, and Noni Madueke hit the side netting. But with just seconds remaining, Villa Park erupted.

The hosts kept the pressure on in the Arsenal penalty area, and amid the chaos, Buendía remained composed to slot home the winner. The victory, Villa's seventh straight in all competitions, temporarily lifts them to second in the table, just three points behind league leaders Arsenal, whose 18-match unbeaten run came to a dramatic end.