Aston Villa delivered a stunning blow to Arsenal’s title ambitions with a dramatic last-gasp winner at Villa Park. In a match that seemed destined to end level, Emiliano Buendía struck with virtually the final touch of the contest, sending the home support into raptures and handing the league leaders their first defeat in months.
The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time. After a frantic scramble inside the Arsenal penalty area, the ball broke to Buendía, who kept his nerve to curl a precise finish into the corner of the net. The goal sparked wild celebrations on the pitch and in the stands, capping a resilient performance from the hosts.
Villa had taken the lead in the first half through Matty Cash, who fired home after a defensive mix-up. Arsenal responded after the break, with substitute Leandro Trossard equalizing shortly following his introduction. The visitors appeared to be in control for large spells of the second period, but were unable to find a winning goal before Buendía’s late intervention.
The result marks a significant statement from Unai Emery’s side, who have now won nine of their last ten league matches. For Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, the defeat cuts their lead at the top of the table and introduces fresh uncertainty into the championship race. The manager acknowledged his team’s disappointment but credited Villa for their resilience and quality.
With the victory, Aston Villa solidify their position among the league’s elite, proving once again their capacity to upset the division’s established order.