Emery Slows Down Arsenal in the Title Race! Aston Villa Come Back from 0-2 in Just 8 Minutes

Liverpool's title dream edges closer, while Arsenal players looked devastated after the final whistle.

Arsenal are unbeaten in 12 Premier League games. At home, their streak stretches back to last season — with Aston Villa being the last team to beat them at the Emirates in April. And now, another encounter in London against Emery's side. Both teams came into the match with significant absences. Arsenal were without key players Saka and Saliba, while Villa missed Barkley, McGinn, Carlos, and Torres.

In the first half, most of the notable moments involved Matsen. He was the only player to receive a yellow card before halftime (along with a warning issued to Arsenal's coach, Arteta). The first dangerous chance came when Matsen bizarrely combined with Rice (yes, from the opposing team!) in a one-two and fired from a prime position, but Raya saved the day for Arsenal.

In the 35th minute, Villa’s defender Matsen failed to challenge the ball as Trossard crossed from the left. Martinelli capitalized on the moment, sneaking behind Matsen and slotting the ball past the line. Goalkeeper Martínez almost saved it on the line, but replays confirmed the goal was legitimate.

Villa had few chances before the break, except for one after Partey made a mistake during a throw-in. Arsenal’s midfielder continues to fill in at right-back due to simultaneous injuries to White and Tomiyasu.

After halftime, Trossard delivered another assist, this time to Havertz, who celebrated emotionally. Havertz had missed several chances in previous matches, fueling discussions about the need for Arsenal to sign a striker, especially with Jesus out injured.

However, Villa's moment arrived shortly after. Two crosses into Arsenal’s box resulted in two goals. Tielemans scored the first from a Digne delivery, and Watkins netted the second from Cash’s pass. Astonishingly, Watkins was completely unmarked (Partey lost track of him). In the eight minutes between Villa’s two goals, Tielemans also struck the post.

Arsenal were closer to victory in the dying moments, but Havertz’s second goal was disallowed for handball. In stoppage time, Merino hit the post from a prime position, and Martínez saved the follow-up. Moments later, Trossard’s shot narrowly missed the post, though it was likely offside.

In the end, Villa held on for the draw. Arsenal reduced their gap to Liverpool from seven to six points, though Slot’s team still has a game in hand. Meanwhile, Villa climbed to sixth place, though their position could change depending on the round’s results.

Published by Patrick Jane
19.01.2025