Arsenal’s 18-match unbeaten Premier League run came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday as Aston Villa clinched a dramatic 2–1 victory with the final kick of the game.
Emiliano Buendía struck deep into stoppage time to hand Villa a fifth consecutive league win, according to a post-match report on Arsenal’s website.
What had been a furious, end-to-end top-of-the-table battle appeared destined to finish level before chaos in the Arsenal penalty area gifted the hosts their late winner. After David Raya produced another sharp save in a frantic scramble, the loose ball broke for Buendía, who squeezed it home to send Villa Park into frenzy and condemn Arsenal to their first league defeat since August.
The late twist came after Arsenal had dragged themselves back into the contest through Leandro Trossard, who continued his impressive scoring streak. Introduced at halftime, the Belgian netted for the third straight Premier League match, reacting quickest after Emiliano Martínez parried Bukayo Saka’s strike. It was Trossard’s 50th Premier League goal and, crucially, restored parity.
Villa had taken a 36th-minute lead through Matty Cash. Pau Torres’ cross deflected off Jurrien Timber and dropped kindly at the far post, where Cash drilled his finish between Raya’s legs.
Arsenal created several chances of their own but were repeatedly thwarted by former Gunner Martínez. The Villa goalkeeper tipped away a fierce Saka effort, denied Martin Ødegaard from close range, and produced a superb fingertip save to turn an Ødegaard curler over the bar.
Mikel Arteta’s halftime changes briefly swung momentum Arsenal’s way. Viktor Gyökeres and Trossard added fresh impetus, with Trossard going close moments before eventually equalising.
But Villa surged again late on, with Raya required to keep out multiple attempts from Ollie Watkins. Substitute Donyell Malen dragged narrowly wide, while Noni Madueke struck the side-netting during a tense period of stoppage time.
Then came the decisive blow: Arsenal failed to clear their lines, and Buendía pounced with virtually the last touch of the match to seal a dramatic victory for Unai Emery’s in-form side.
Arsenal must now regroup quickly. They travel to Club Brugge on Wednesday for a Champions League clash before hosting Wolves next Saturday. A trip to Everton awaits on December 20.
