Aston Villa delivered a seismic statement in the Premier League title race, securing a breathtaking 2-1 victory over leaders Arsenal with a 95th-minute winner from Emiliano Buendia. The result, played out in front of a raucous Villa Park crowd, closes the gap at the top to just three points.
A frantic encounter at Villa Park
The home side took a deserved lead after 36 minutes through a moment of pure quality from Matty Cash. The defender connected fiercely with a Pau Torres cross, driving a low shot through the legs of goalkeeper David Raya. The first half was a frantic affair, with Villa's Emiliano Martinez called into action to make several important saves.
Arsenal responded after the interval through impact substitute Leandro Trossard, who finished tidily to level the scores. The Belgian's introduction changed the dynamic, and Mikel Arteta's side created numerous chances to take the lead themselves in a relentless second period.
Buendia breaks Gunners' hearts at the death
Just as the game seemed destined for a draw, Villa snatched all three points with virtually the last kick. In the fifth minute of added time, a defensive scramble in the Arsenal box saw the ball fall to Buendia, who reacted quickest to fire a controlled finish through a crowd of bodies and send Villa Park into delirium.
The victory extends Unai Emery's side's winning streak to seven matches in all competitions. More impressively, they have now won nine of their last ten Premier League games, firmly establishing themselves as the closest challengers to Arsenal at the summit.
Player Ratings: Villa's heroes rated
Emiliano Martinez (8): Made a crucial return from injury, pulling off seven saves to keep his side in the contest during key moments.
Matty Cash (8): Scored a brilliant opener and largely kept Arsenal's attackers quiet before being substituted late on.
Ezri Konsa (8): A dominant physical presence at the heart of defence, making several vital clearances under pressure.
Pau Torres (7): Provided the assist for the opening goal and was solid in recovery before going off with a suspected injury.
Boubacar Kamara (8) : The midfield enforcer worked tirelessly, making key tackles and blocks, and notched the assist for the dramatic winner.
Emiliano Buendia (7.5): The match-winner. Introduced as a late substitute, he displayed superb composure to grab the decisive goal.
The result sets up a fascinating second half of the season. With another clash against Arsenal scheduled before the New Year, Villa have emphatically announced they cannot be ruled out of the conversation at the top of the table.
