Villa Park Roars as Buendia Breaks Arsenal Hearts Late
Aston Villa struck at the death to stun Premier League leaders Arsenal 2-1 at Villa Park, cutting the Gunners lead at the summit and extending Unai Emerys frightening home dominance in one of the games of the season.
Aston Villa reminded the Premier League title race that it is far from settled after a dramatic 2-1 victory over table-toppers Arsenal in Birmingham. In a contest played at full throttle, Emiliano Buendia delivered the final blow deep into stoppage time to hand Unai Emerys side a seventh straight win and lift them into second place.
Villa Park was rocking long before the decisive moment. The hosts started with intent, pressing aggressively and showing no respect for Arsenals status at the top. Ollie Watkins set the tone early, forcing David Raya into a sharp save, while Arsenal threatened on the break through Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute and it was no more than Villa deserved. A patient build-up ended with a loose ball falling kindly at the back post, where Matty Cash arrived unmarked to rifle an unstoppable finish past Raya for his third goal of the campaign.
Arsenal emerged sharper after the break, as Mikel Artetas changes paid off. Their pressure finally told in the 52nd minute when Saka and Odegaard combined down the right and Leandro Trossard, introduced at half-time, calmly steered the ball home to level matters.
With the game stretched, both sides sensed a winner. Watkins missed chances that would normally be put away, while Emiliano Martinez produced a superb fingertip save to deny Odegaard from long range. Arsenal grew in confidence but found Villa stubborn and dangerous in transition.
Just when it looked like the spoils would be shared, chaos erupted in the Arsenal box in the fifth minute of added time. After a series of blocked efforts, Buendia kept his composure and poked home from close range, sparking wild celebrations and handing Arsenal their first league defeat since August.
The numbers told a story of fine margins. Villas xG of 2.27 reflected their attacking ambition, while Arsenals 1.84 suggested opportunities left unfinished. What mattered, though, was Villas belief and their refusal to blink when it mattered most.
For Emery, it was another statement performance against elite opposition and a reminder of Villas formidable home record. For Arsenal, it was a painful setback, though they remain firmly in the title hunt as both sides now turn their attention to European action next week.
Villa Park has seen many famous nights, but this late twist will rank high among them.
