Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes took a hit when a dogged Aston Villa came back from two goals down to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium. The result extended Unai Emery’s record to five unbeaten from seven matches against his former club.
With Liverpool having extended their lead at the top earlier in the day, Arsenal looked for a positive response. Gabriel Martinelli went close early but Emiliano Martínez kept him out. At the other end, David Raya denied Ian Maatsen’s fierce shot in an end-to-end opening half.
The Gunners had gone ahead in the 35th minute, when Leandro Trossard’s perfect cross picked out Martinelli, who bundled home his seventh goal of the season. Arsenal did double their lead early in the second half, though, when Kai Havertz scored off another Trossard delivery.
Aston Villa countered quickly, with Youri Tielemans burying Lucas Digne’s cross before hitting the post moments later. The visitors had their comeback in the 68th minute when Ollie Watkins fired a volleyed finish from Matty Cash’s delivery into the net.
Arsenal pressed for a late winner, with Mikel Merino’s strike being disallowed for handball, and another hitting the post during stoppage time. Villa stood strong to record a gritty point and frustrate Arsenal’s title pursuit.
