Aston Villa vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result and reaction after late goals from Martinez and Martinelli

Aston Villa 2-4 Arsenal: Late goals complete Arsenal comeback as they move to the top of the Premier League

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Arsenal twice battled back from behind as stoppage time goals from Emiliano Martinez and Gabriel Martinelli helped them to a hard-fought victory at Aston Villa to reignite into their Premier League title bid.

Martinez, a former Arsenal goalkeeper, could do nothing as Jorginho’s strike cannoned off the crossbar and struck the back of his head to settle a thrilling contest 4-2 in favour of the Gunners.

Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho sent home side ahead on two occasions, only for Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko to equalise for Arsenal and keep them in the contest.

The Gunners’ winless run looked set to continue before Martinez inadvertently helped out his old side and substitute Martinelli tapped into an empty net after the goalkeeper went up for a late corner.

Relive the action as Arsenal defeat Aston Villa in the Premier League:

Aston Villa vs Arsenal

• Arsenal score late to defeat Aston Villa in brilliant Premier League clash
• Arsenal bounce back to seal stunning late comeback win over Aston Villa
• 90+8’ GOAL! - Martinelli adds a fourth on the break (AST 2-4 ARS)
• 90+3’ GOAL! - A fortuitous own goal from Emi Martinez wins it for Arsenal (AST 2-3 ARS)
• 84’ SAVE! - Ramsdale’s fingertips deny Bailey a winner (AST 2-2 ARS)
• 61’ GOAL! - Zinchenko strikes to equalise for Arsenal (AST 2-2 ARS)
• 57’ CROSSBAR! - Nketiah’s headed effort hits the bar (AST 2-1 ARS)
• 31’ GOAL! - Coutinho sends Villa back in front (AST 2-1 ARS)
• 16’ GOAL! - A rocket from Saka brings Arsenal level (AST 1-1 ARS)
• 11’ OFF THE LINE! - Mings rescues Villa with goalline clearance (AST 1-0 ARS)
• 5’ GOAL! - A brilliant finish from Watkins puts Villa in front (AST 1-0 ARS)

[18 February 2023 13:32 · Michael Jones]

HT Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal

Bukayo Saka has been directly involved in 17 goals in the Premier League this season (9 goals, 8 assists), behind only centre-forwards Erling Haaland (30) and Harry Kane (18).

(PA)

[18 February 2023 13:28 · Michael Jones]

HT Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal

Ollie Watkins has scored in each of his last four appearances for Aston Villa in the Premier League; it’s the first time in his career that’s he’s scored in four consecutive league games in England’s top four tiers.

(PA)

[18 February 2023 13:24 · Michael Jones]

HT Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal

A wonderful first 45 minutes from Aston Villa sees them lead Arsenal by two goals to one. Bukayo Saka has given the visitors a chance to get back in this one but Villa have the advantage going into the second half.

(PA)

(REUTERS)

(PA)

[18 February 2023 13:20 · Michael Jones]

Half-time: Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal

45+2 mins: There’s a little bust up after Martin Odegaard is tackled by Tyrone Mings. When it all dies down the half-time whistle goes and Aston Villa take a lead into the break.

Work for Arsenal to do in the second half.

[18 February 2023 13:16 · Michael Jones]

Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal

45 mins: Jorginho switches the ball over to Saka on the right wing. He whips in a cross that gets headed over to John McGinn who completes the clearance for Aston Villa.

Two minutes of added time to play.

[18 February 2023 13:14 · Michael Jones]

Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal

41 mins: Saka brings the ball under control when it comes over the top and drives it into the box. He lays it off to Odegaard who rolls a pass back to Jorginho.

Jorginho threads the ball through the lines but it’s too heavy for Saka to keep in play.

[18 February 2023 13:11 · Michael Jones]

Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal

37 mins: Saka and Odegaard combine on the edge of the penalty area but Buendia gets back for Villa to tackle Saka and force the winger to knock the ball out for a goal kick.

[18 February 2023 13:09 · Michael Jones]

Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal

34 mins: Aston Villa have been very good today. They’ve been disciplined in defence and have moved the ball quickly in attack. They only blip was Tyrone Mings’ clearance that led to Bukayo Saka’s goal.

Arsenal have to come from behind again.

[18 February 2023 13:04 · Michael Jones]

GOAL! Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal (Coutinho, 31’)⚽️

31 mins: Lovely goal! Aston Villa bring the ball down the inside left channel before slipping it into the feet of Alex Moreno who makes an overlapping run in behind Ben White.

Moreno then pulls the ball back into the middle of the box where Emiliano Buendia draws in two defenders before leaping over the ball and letting it run through to Philippe Coutinho.

He finishes it brilliantly and Villa are back in front. That’s a fantastic team goal from the home side.

[18 February 2023 13:01 · Michael Jones]

Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal

30 mins: Boubacar Kamara and Ben White both challenge for a 50/50 ball deep in Villa’s half with White coming out of the collision in worse shape.

Arsenal are awarded the throw in and win themselves a corner kick.

Bukayo Saka lifts this one into the middle and targets the deep run of Gabriel. Emi Martinez forces his way through a cluster of bodies though and plucks the ball out of the air.