Aston Villa delivered a stunning blow to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday, clinching a 2-1 victory at Villa Park thanks to Emiliano Buendia’s stoppage-time winner, which propelled the hosts into second place and halted the Gunners’ 19-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
The match, a pulsating encounter between two title contenders, saw Villa dominate possession in the opening half, their adventurous pressing finally rewarded on the stroke of halftime.
Right-back Matty Cash broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, unleashing a low drive from the edge of the box that arrowed into the bottom corner, leaving Arsenal keeper David Raya rooted to the spot.
Arsenal, stung into action, responded swiftly after the interval. Just seven minutes into the second half, Leandro Trossard pounced on a loose ball deflected by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, slotting home from close range to restore parity at 1-1.
What followed was a frenzy of end-to-end football, with neither side willing to settle for a share of the spoils. Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka traded chances, but it was the hosts who refused to relent.
In a heart-stopping climax, Buendia – the Argentine midfielder making a rare start – rifled home during a chaotic goalmouth scramble on what amounted to the last kick of the game, sending the Villa faithful into delirium and condemning Arsenal to only their second league defeat of the campaign.
The win marks Villa’s seventh straight home league victory, underscoring their evolution under Emery since his 2022 appointment. Next up for Villa is a trip to Brentford, while Arsenal host Crystal Palace in a bid to regroup.
