By Olaitan Ibrahim
In a match pulsating with drama and missed opportunities, Arsenal’s Premier League title chase hit a stumbling block as Aston Villa clawed back to a 2-2 draw on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite taking a commanding two-goal lead, the Gunners faltered under relentless pressure from Unai Emery’s resilient Villa side.
The home side started brightly, with Gabriel Martinelli opening the scoring in the 35th minute following an inch-perfect cross from Leandro Trossard.
Kai Havertz doubled the lead in the 55th minute, displaying exquisite control before slotting past Emiliano Martinez.
However, Villa refused to roll over. Youri Tielemans halved the deficit with a clinical close-range finish in the 60th minute, silencing the Emirates crowd.
Just eight minutes later, Ollie Watkins levelled the scores with a stunning volley that ricocheted off the crossbar and into the net, leaving Arsenal keeper David Raya rooted to the spot.
The final stages descended into chaos. In the 89th minute, Havertz appeared to have restored Arsenal’s lead with a scrappy finish, sparking wild celebrations. But a VAR review crushed their hopes, ruling the goal out for handball.
The Gunners continued to push, with Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard coming agonisingly close in stoppage time.
Martinez was the hero for Villa, pulling off a string of stunning saves, including a crucial stop in the 90th minute to deny Trossard from close range.