Mikel Arteta’s team gave up two late goals on Sunday, blowing the opportunity to take the lead in the Premier League standings.
Arsenal now leads the Premier League title race after Liverpool’s shocking loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday. But, with a chance to take the lead coming, Mikel Arteta’s team withered away in the spotlight, and a horrendous last ten minutes handed Aston Villa three points with ease.
It will hurt much more to lose 2-0 when you realize that the Gunners dominated the opening half of the match. Yet shortly before the half, they came dangerously close to giving Villa the lead when Gabriel Magalhaes attempted a strange pass that gave Ollie Watkins a clear shot at goal, but the England international could only strike the inside of the post.
After excellent work from Bukayo Saka, Emiliano Martinez miraculously saved Leandro Trossard’s close-range shot with his feet, giving Arsenal their best chance of the first forty-five minutes.
At the break, the tension in the Emirates started to build, partly because Arsenal had not equaled their first-half intensity but also because Youri Tielemans had struck the bar and post with a wicked strike from outside the box. They were finally punished when Watkins, going for a winner, was released and lobbed the injured Spaniard. Earlier, Leon Bailey had all the time in the world to finish at the back post, thanks to a clanger from David Raya.
Manchester City will be licking their lips at the outcome, as they currently have a two-point advantage over both of their title rivals heading into the final six games of the season. Arsenal, meanwhile, have no time to lick their wounds; they’re back in Champions League action against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
(Goal)
