Emi Buendia struck with virtually the final kick to give Aston Villa a dramatic 2–1 victory over Arsenal, ending the visitors’ 18-match unbeaten run.
Matty Cash had given Villa a first-half lead, before substitute Leandro Trossard levelled shortly after the break. Both sides had chances in a frantic second half, but it was Buendia who settled it deep into stoppage time, lifting Villa to within three points of the league leaders.
Arsenal arrived at Villa Park five points clear at the top, but Villa’s energy and pressing unsettled them from the start. Watkins forced an early save from Raya and Saka went close twice at the other end before Eze’s tap-in was ruled out for offside.
Villa’s breakthrough came on 36 minutes, when Pau Torres’ cross flicked off Timber and reached Cash, who drilled his volley through Raya’s legs.
Arsenal improved immediately after half-time. Odegaard’s sharp passing opened spaces, and within seven minutes the visitors were level: Saka’s low cross ran across the box to Trossard, who finished low at the far post to make it 1–1.
From there the match opened right up. Odegaard forced Martinez into a superb fingertip save, while Villa threatened repeatedly on the counter. Malen missed a gilt-edged chance after Calafiori’s miscontrol, and Watkins tested Raya again from the right.
Arsenal applied late pressure through Rice and Madueke, but deep in stoppage time it was Villa who found a winner. Rogers’ cross caused panic, Raya saved from Tielemans, Arsenal defenders blocked bravely several times, and then the ball broke to Buendia, who guided a curling finish into the top corner to send Villa Park into chaos.
