Arsenal’s 18-match unbeaten Premier League run ended in dramatic fashion on Saturday as Aston Villa snatched a 2–1 win with the final kick of the game.
According to a post-match report on Arsenal’s website, Emiliano Buendía struck in stoppage time to give Villa their fifth consecutive victory. What had been a fast, end-to-end top-of-the-table clash appeared set to finish level until chaos in Arsenal’s box gifted the hosts the winner.
David Raya made another sharp save during a frantic scramble, but the rebound fell perfectly for Buendía, who fired in to send Villa Park into celebration and hand Arsenal their first league defeat since August.
The decisive goal came after Arsenal had fought back through Leandro Trossard, who continued his fine scoring form. Introduced at halftime, the Belgian equalised with his third straight Premier League goal, tapping in after Emiliano Martínez parried Bukayo Saka’s shot. It was Trossard’s 50th Premier League goal.
Villa strike first
Villa led at halftime thanks to Matty Cash’s 36th-minute effort. Pau Torres’ cross deflected off Jurrien Timber and dropped at the far post, where Cash drilled the ball through Raya’s legs to put the hosts ahead.
Arsenal created chances throughout but were repeatedly denied by former Gunner Martínez, who saved a powerful Saka effort, stopped Martin Ødegaard from close range, and tipped an Ødegaard curler over the bar.
Mikel Arteta’s halftime changes—bringing on Viktor Gyökeres and Trossard—briefly shifted momentum. Trossard nearly scored immediately before eventually levelling.
But Villa rallied again, with Raya called upon several times to stop Ollie Watkins. Substitute Donyell Malen went close, and Noni Madueke hit the side netting during a tense stoppage time.
Then, with virtually the final kick, Arsenal failed to clear their lines and Buendía pounced to seal a dramatic win for Unai Emery’s in-form side.
Arsenal must regroup quickly as they visit Club Brugge on Wednesday in the Champions League before hosting Wolves next Saturday. A trip to Everton follows on December 20.
