Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa: Premier league match report

Arsenal ‘s chances of catching Premier League leaders Liverpool took a hit on Saturday when they drew 2-2 with Aston Villa.

The Gunners went two goals ahead with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz. However, quick goals from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins changed the game after the break. Arsenal is now six points behind Liverpool, who also have a game in hand.

Early on, Martinelli nearly scored with an acrobatic volley. Arsenal had a series of corners but struggled to create clear chances. Villa took time to settle, and David Raya had to save a close-range shot from Ian Maatsen.

In the first half, Arsenal controlled possession but could not break through Villa’s strong defense until ten minutes before halftime. Leandro Trossard’s cross was met by Martinelli, who scored after VAR confirmed the ball crossed the line.

Trossard contributed again just after the break. His great cross set up Havertz, whose volley deflected off Emiliano Martinez into the net, giving Arsenal a 2-0 lead. Villa fought back quickly. Lucas Digne provided a cross that Tielemans headed into the net, reigniting the match. Tielemans nearly scored again, hitting the post moments later.

With 20 minutes remaining, Watkins scored for Villa. Matty Cash’s perfect cross found him. He volleyed off the underside of the bar, making it an exciting finish. Arsenal seemed poised to win with a deflected shot from Mikel Merino, but a VAR check ruled Havertz handled the ball, keeping the score at 2-2.

Merino later hit the post in stoppage time as Arsenal pushed for a winner. Trossard had a chance but missed as well. In the end, Arsenal’s efforts went unrewarded, leaving them six points behind Liverpool.