Home Sport Football Premier League Villa defeats Arsenal with last-minute goal to close gap at top
Premier League

Villa defeats Arsenal with last-minute goal to close gap at top

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Aston Villa secured a thrilling 2-1 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal at Villa Park on Saturday, with Emiliano Buendía scoring a dramatic last-minute winner.

The match was an intense affair, with Villa taking the lead in the 36th minute thanks to Matty Cash, who finished a deflected cross from Pau Torres. Villa’s fast-paced attack caused early problems for Arsenal, but the Gunners quickly responded in the second half. Leandro Trossard, who had just been substituted in, scored the equalizer in the 52nd minute after Villa keeper Emiliano Martínez made a save that fell into his path.

The game seemed set for a draw when Buendía made his impact. After a brilliant save by Arsenal’s David Raya to deny Youri Tielemans, the ball fell to Buendía, who hammered home the winner with the final kick of the match in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sending the home crowd into raptures. The victory moves Villa to 30 points, just three behind Arsenal, who remain at 33.

Both teams had their chances throughout the match, with Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard testing the goalkeepers early on. Villa maintained pressure on Arsenal’s left side, with Cash’s runs causing problems for Eberechi Eze, who struggled to keep up with the Villa full-back. Arsenal’s attack was led by Bukayo Saka, but their defensive issues, particularly after the break, cost them dearly.

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Written by
Adekunle Owolabi

Adekunle Owolabi is a journalist, political analyst, and digital strategist with experience across Africa and the Middle East. He focuses on international diplomacy, promotes digital inclusion, and advocates for a borderless Africa.

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