Arsenal lost some ground in the Premier League title race after throwing a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Aston Villa on Saturday night.
Premier League
Result: Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa
Date: 18 January 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium
The Gunners made two changes from the win over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, as Mikel Merino replaces William Siliba as Jurrien Timber moved to centre-back, while Gabriel Martinelli replaced Raheem Sterling.
The home side dominated in the early exchanges and should have been ahead inside the opening ten minutes when Martinelli was left unmarked at the far post, but the Brazilian's first-time strike was saved Emiliano Martinez.
Villa, meanwhile, were not so adventurous in the opening periods and were quite happy to sit back and soak up the pressure while looking to catch Arsenal out on the break.
However, the Gunners got their opening goal ten minutes before the break when Martinelli turned home Leandro Trossard's cross, with goal-line technology confirming the goal after Martinez initially appeared to make the save.
The visitors were dealt a blow soon after going behind as midfielder Amadou Onana limped off the pitch and was replaced by Lamare Bogarde in the middle of the park.
Arsenal carried that momentum into the second half and doubled their advantage ten minutes in after Trossard raced to the byline to pick out Kai Havertz, who volleyed home from six yards out.
Five minutes later, Villa managed to reduce the deficit as Youri Tielemans got his name on the score-sheet by nodding home a cross from Lucas Digne.
The Villains went on to level matters in the 69th minute as the Gunners failed to deal with an in-swinging cross and allowed the un-marked Ollie Watkins to slam home from close range, leaving David Raya with no chance.
The hosts thought they had bagged a third goal when Merino's volley deflected in off Havertz, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) confirmed the ball hit the latter's hand before going into the net.
The influential Trossard could have won the game for the Gunners late in added time, but he dragged his effort wide of the mark as Arteta's men now sit six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who still have a game in hand.
