Buendia’s Last-Gasp Strike Secures 2-1 Aston Villa Win Over Arsenal, Ending 18-Match Unbeaten Run
Arsenal’s 18-match unbeaten run came to a dramatic end on Saturday as Emiliano Buendia’s last-gasp strike secured a 2-1 victory for Aston Villa over the Premier League leaders.
The Gunners fell behind at Villa Park when Matty Cash put the hosts ahead in the first half, but Leandro Trossard pulled Arsenal level after coming off the bench following the interval.
Both teams had opportunities to take the lead, but it was Argentine winger Buendia who capitalised on sloppy defending from Arsenal to score the winner in the dying moments of the game.
This defeat marks Arsenal’s first loss in all competitions since a 1-0 setback at Liverpool on August 31, the only other defeat they had suffered this season.
Aston Villa have repeatedly troubled Arsenal in recent seasons, taking key points at pivotal moments in the title race. Saturday’s win was yet another painful encounter for Mikel Arteta’s side, this time against Villa under former Arsenal manager Unai Emery, whose team have emerged as surprise title contenders with a streak of seven consecutive wins in all competitions.
The result leaves Arsenal just three points ahead of second-placed Villa, while third-placed Manchester City can cut the gap to two points if they defeat Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium later on Saturday.
