Arsenal vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League result and final score as Gunners suffer shock defeat
Arsenal 0-2 Aston Villa: Goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins turned the title race on its head as Unai Emery claimed a Premier League double over his former team
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Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal blew the chance to return to the top of the Premier League table as Aston Villa bolstered their Champions League hopes by claiming a stunning 2-0 win at the Emirates - a result that leaves the title race in the hands of the defending champions Manchester City with six games to go.
On a dramatic day in the Premier League that also saw Liverpool slip up at home to Crystal Palace, with Jurgen Klopp’s side beaten 1-0 at Anfield, Mikel Arteta’s challengers could not take advantage as they too fell to a damaging defeat in the title race.
The Gunners were seven wins from their first title in 20 years, but City are now two points clear at the top after Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins struck second-half goals and Unai Emery returned to the Emirates to earn a league double against his former team.
Arsenal started well and had the majority of the early chances but it was the visitors who almost took the lead as Ollie Watkins struck both posts following an effort from Gabriel - although Emery’s side then needed goalkeeper Emi Martinez to make a stunning save from point-blank range to deny Leandro Trossard 37 seconds later.
Villa took charge after half time, and struck the frame of the goal again when Youri Tielmans hit both the bar and the post with a bending shot that almost found the top corner. Bailey came off the bench to arrive at the back post and steer Villa in front, before Watkins doubled Villa’s lead with a chipped finish just two minutes later.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
1 min: Ooof. Almost a quick start from Villa. From a long throw, Trossard takes a volley from McGinn right in the face, and then Watkins heads over from about 12 yards, catching the roof of the net.
Trossard gets back to his feet.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
Underway! Any more twists to come this weekend?
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
Here we go! A real sense of excitement now as Arsenal have the chance to go top and take advantage of Liverpool’s slip-up. You can really feel the nerves in the title race now, and Aston Villa will hope to spoil the party as Unai Emery returns to the Emirates.
Kick-off next!
Arsenal vs Aston Villa - pre-match thoughts from Arteta and Emery
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports, about his changes today: “It’s always about the opponent, how we can hurt them, dominate the game, earn the right to win it and what’s the best way to start. There will be changes for sure and we have to be prepared for that.”
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, speaking to Sky Sports: “We are ready. We have to be focused on the match and our game plan for 90 minutes. We have to be defensively strong, have control of the game when we can and try to attack them.
“It’s a big challenge but we are excited, very motivated. We have a big opportunity to get three points. Of course, it will be difficult.”
Can Aston Villa claim Premier League double over Arsenal?
Aston Villa have the chance today to complete just their third Premier League double over Arsenal. They did so in 2020-21, winning 3-0 at the Emirates, as well as in 1992-93.
John McGinn scored the only goal of the game as Aston Villa beat Arsenal 1-0 earlier this season.
Can Saka continue goalscoring form?
If Bukayo Saka scores today he would become the first English player to score more than 15 goals in a Premier League season since Ian Wright in 1996.
The forward has been involved in 11 goals in his last 11 Premier League appearances,
Premier League title now in Arsenal’s hands
Incredible. Crystal Palace have beaten Liverpool at Anfield.
The title is now in Arsenal’s hands with seven games to go - it was already, some may say, but the Reds now require favours from elsewhere.
Over to you, Arsenal.
Villa boost in race for fourth
Arsenal and Aston Villa fans would have both celebrating yesterday as Tottenham suffered a 4-0 defeat at Newcastle.
The result, which mattered more to Villa, means Unai Emery’s side have the chance to go three points clear of Spurs in the race for fourth.
Manchester United’s draw at Bournemouth means there is now a 10-point gap between fifth and sixth.
Crystal Palace still leading against Liverpool
It’s SOMEHOW still 1-0 at Anfield... but to Crystal Palace.
You can follow the updates from the closing stages, here, in what are a huge 15 minutes in the title race.
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
Liverpool look to move back to the top of the table when they host the Eagles
Arsenal vs Aston Villa team news
Some big changes from Mikel Arteta, as Arsenal host Aston Villa and look to return to the top of the Premier League.
Jorginho drops to the bench and it looks like Kai Havertz will return to midfield, with Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard both starting.
Aston Villa bring in Nicolo Zaniolo, as Moussa Diaby starts up front alongside Ollie Watkins. John McGinn and Youri Tielemans are the midfield duo, with Douglas Luiz suspended.
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