Aston Villa 2–1 Arsenal: Emi Buendia’s late strike ends Gunners’ 18-match unbeaten run

Aston Villa defeated Premier League table-toppers Arsenal 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.

Villa created the game’s first clear-cut chance, with Youri Tielemans flicking the ball behind for Ollie Watkins, whose effort was thwarted superbly by David Raya.

Bukayo Saka then squandered a big chance to give Arsenal the lead, heading wide despite being presented with an open net.

The visitors thought they had taken the lead when Saka slipped the ball across for Eberechi Eze, who tucked it home. However, his effort was ruled out for offside.

Villa were at it again at the other end, as the ball fell nicely to Matty Cash at the back post, but Declan Rice quickly came across to block his ferocious effort from troubling Raya.

The Villa full-back eventually broke the deadlock, squeezing the ball through Raya’s legs and into the net..

Arsenal made two changes at the break, with Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres replacing Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino.

Trossard made an immediate impact, restoring parity for the table-toppers with a simple finish at the far post. That was his 50th Premier League goal.

The Villains reacted well to Arsenal’s equaliser, and Watkins almost restored their lead, but Raya kept his effort out.

Emiliano Martinez was also forced to make a save, tipping Martin Odegaard’s effort over the bar.

Substitute Donyell Malen came close to putting Villa ahead, but dragged his effort wide.

Emiliano Buendia netted the winner in stoppage time, lashing the ball into the roof of the net after Arsenal failed to clear their lines.

Buendia’s strike is the second-latest winning goal Arsenal have conceded in a league game since the 2006/2007 campaign.

Villa’s victory ended Arsenal’s 18-game unbeaten run across all competitions and cemented their status as genuine title contenders.