Arsenal's impressive 18-match unbeaten run across all competitions came to a crashing halt in the Midlands as Aston Villa secured a dramatic 2-1 victory with virtually the last kick of the game. On a night that promised so much, Mikel Arteta's side were left ruing missed opportunities and a lapse in concentration deep into stoppage time.
Mikel Arteta: "Everything that the boys have put in over the last two weeks, the results we got, the performances... to lose it that way emotionally is very touching. You just feel that, yeah, everything that you put, it hasn't been worth it. But we have to bounce back."
The game was a breathless, end-to-end affair from the first whistle, fitting for two teams battling at the top of the Premier League table. Aston Villa struck first in the 36th minute. Matty Cash found space on the right and drilled a low finish past David Raya, capitalizing on a fortunate deflection off Jurrien Timber that fell into his path. It was a setback for the Gunners, who had looked comfortable in possession but lacked a cutting edge.
Arsenal responded with purpose after the interval. Substitute Leandro Trossard, making his return from injury, made an immediate impact. In the 52nd minute, Bukayo Saka won possession high up the pitch and exchanged passes with Martin Ødegaard. The captain's shot was parried by Emi Martínez, but Trossard was on hand to sweep home the rebound for his 50th Premier League goal.
The equalizer shifted the momentum, and Arsenal pushed for a winner. However, Villa remained dangerous on the break. As the match entered stoppage time, it seemed destined for a draw—a result that would have kept the unbeaten run alive. But in the 95th minute, heartbreak struck. A goalmouth scramble saw the ball fall to former Norwich man Emi Buendía, who buried a right-footed shot into the roof of the net, sending Villa Park into a frenzy.
It was a cruel ending to a hard-fought contest. The defeat not only ended the unbeaten streak but also served as a reminder of the relentless nature of the Premier League title race.
Mikel Arteta: "What the boys tried to do today, again, with the schedule that we had, it was amazing. We have to take the learnings. The level of this league is so high that if you drop even a little, you get punished. Today we were punished in the most painful way."
Leandro Trossard: "It's tough to take. We fought hard to get back into the game and felt we could go on to win it. To concede so late is devastating, but we can't let this define our season. We go again."
The Man of the Match award goes to Leandro Trossard. His introduction changed the dynamic of Arsenal's attack, and his goal showed his predatory instincts. On a disappointing night, his return to fitness and form was a significant positive.
Arsenal must now regroup quickly as they turn their attention back to the Champions League, traveling to Belgium to face Club Brugge on Wednesday, December 10.
Image Credits https://www.arsenal.com/news/gallery-33-photos-villa-park