Arsenal’s remarkable 18-match unbeaten run across all competitions came to an abrupt halt as Aston Villa secured a dramatic 2–1 win at Villa Park. A late strike from Emiliano Buendía, deep into stoppage time, condemned the Premier League leaders to their first defeat since 31 August, when they narrowly lost 1–0 to Liverpool.
The Gunners entered the contest already grappling with significant defensive concerns. Injuries to William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães and Cristian Mosquera left Mikel Arteta with no choice but to reorganise his back line. Jurrien Timber, usually deployed on the right, was shifted centrally to partner Piero Hincapié. The uncertainty was evident almost immediately.
Arsenal nearly conceded within minutes as goalkeeper David Raya’s misplaced pass gifted Villa an opening. Raya redeemed himself by racing back to smother the danger and later produced an excellent save to deny Ollie Watkins. At the other end, Emiliano Martínez responded with strong goalkeeping of his own, keeping out Bukayo Saka’s curling attempt.
Villa eventually made their pressure count in the 36th minute. A well-delivered cross from Ian Maatsen found Matty Cash, who drove the ball powerfully into the back of the net to give the home side a deserved lead. Historically, this spelled trouble for Arsenal: they had won only one of their previous fifteen Premier League matches when trailing at half-time.
Arteta reacted decisively after the break, introducing Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyökeres. The impact was immediate. Trossard tested Martínez twice before finally finding the breakthrough in the 52nd minute, calmly steering in Saka’s low cross at the far post — his 50th Premier League goal.
The match opened up dramatically thereafter. Watkins forced a fingertip save from Raya, while Martin Ødegaard saw his long-range strike pushed behind by Martínez. Substitute Donyell Malen also went close for Villa, dragging his effort narrowly wide.
Just as the game seemed destined for a draw, Arsenal’s defensive frailties resurfaced. A poor clearance inside the box allowed Buendía to pounce, smashing the ball into the net from 12 yards to secure all three points for Unai Emery’s revitalised side. The win briefly lifted Villa into second place, only three points behind Arsenal.
For Arsenal, the defeat serves as a stark reminder of their ongoing defensive challenges, especially with crucial centre-backs unavailable. For Villa, it extends a remarkable run under Emery, who has turned the side into genuine contenders in the upper reaches of the table.