Emiliano Buendía scored with virtually the last kick of the game to give Aston Villa a dramatic 2-1 victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal, a result that blows the title race wide open and underlines Unai Emery's side as serious contenders near the top of the table.
Matty Cash had put Villa in front after a dominant first-half display, only for half-time substitute Leandro Trossard to haul Arsenal level early in the second half. With both teams pushing for a winner in a breathless contest, it seemed a point apiece would be a fair reflection until a chaotic 95th-minute scramble ended with Buendía curling home, moving Villa to within three points of Arsenal and extending their superb domestic run.
Villa seize the initiative as Arsenal’s reshuffled defence creaks
Villa set the tone from the opening minutes, immediately putting Arsenal under duress. The visitors arrived at Villa Park, hampered by injuries, most notably the news before kick-off that Cristhian Mosquera would miss around six weeks. That forced Mikel Arteta to pair Jurriën Timber with Piero Hincapié at centre-back and restore Ben White to right-back, a configuration used in the midweek win over Brentford. Villa were quick to probe that makeshift axis.