Arsenal's 18-Match Unbeaten Streak Ends! Emiliano Buendia Scores Late To Hand Aston Villa 2-1 Win

Last Updated:December 06, 2025, 20:25 IST

Emiliano Buendia's last-minute goal gave Aston Villa a 2-1 win over Arsenal, ending Mikel Arteta's side's 18-match unbeaten run at Villa Park after Leandro Trossard had equalised.

Premier League: Aston Villa a 2-1 win over Arsenal, ending Mikel Arteta's side's 18-match unbeaten run (AP)

Emiliano Buendia ended Arsenal’s 18-match unbeaten run with a dramatic last-minute goal, securing Aston Villa’s 2-1 victory over the Premier League leaders on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s side initially fell behind to Matty Cash’s first-half goal at Villa Park, but Leandro Trossard came off the bench to equalise for Arsenal after the interval.

In a thrilling match that saw missed opportunities for both teams, Argentine winger Buendia capitalised on poor defending from Arsenal to score the winner with virtually the last kick of the game.

This was Arsenal’s first defeat in all competitions since their 1-0 loss to Liverpool on August 31, the only other defeat they had suffered this season.

Villa have repeatedly troubled Arsenal in recent seasons, often taking points from them during critical moments in the title race. This match was another frustrating encounter, especially with Villa’s former Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, whose team has emerged as unexpected title contenders following seven consecutive victories in all competitions.

Impact On Premier League Points Table

Arsenal now sit just three points above second-placed Villa, while third-placed Manchester City could narrow the gap on the leaders to two points if they beat Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium later on Saturday.

Earlier this week, Emery downplayed his team’s title chances, describing Arsenal as the strongest team in Europe. However, this victory was a significant statement from Villa, who matched Arsenal’s intensity and delivered a setback to their title aspirations.

The timing was ideal for Villa to face Arsenal, who are dealing with a centre-back crisis with William Saliba, Gabriel, and Cristhian Mosquera all sidelined. Jurrien Timber moved from right-back to centre-back to partner Piero Hincapie, but Arsenal never appeared entirely comfortable.

Arteta has stated that Arsenal are “prepared" to make moves in the January transfer window if an opportunity arises to “improve" the squad. Defensive reinforcements and additional attacking options might be necessary if Arteta aims to lead injury-prone Arsenal to their first English title since 2004.

David Raya nearly gave Villa the perfect start with a nervous, misjudged clearance that forced Arsenal’s keeper to scramble back to save. Villa striker Ollie Watkins, an Arsenal fan growing up, nearly made his boyhood favourites suffer early on when Youri Tielemans’ flick gave him a clear sight of goal, but Raya made an excellent save to deny him.

Emiliano Martinez had to save Bukayo Saka’s curling shot moments later, before Eberechi Eze’s close-range finish was ruled out for offside.

Cash scored Villa’s winner against Manchester City earlier this season and troubled another title contender in the 36th minute. Ian Maatsen’s cross was flicked to Cash at the far post, and the defender powered a fierce finish past Raya.

Having won only one of their previous 15 Premier League games when trailing at half-time, Arteta responded by bringing on Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres. Belgian winger Trossard made an immediate impact, forcing a save from Martinez and then volleying inches wide from 10 yards.

Arsenal gained momentum and equalised through Trossard in the 52nd minute. Martin Odegaard raced towards the Villa area and slipped the ball to Saka, whose low cross reached Trossard for a clinical finish at the far post. Trossard’s sixth goal of the season brought his Premier League career tally to 50.

Arteta’s men were almost caught on the counter when Watkins broke free for a shot that Raya saved at full stretch. Odegaard’s long-range effort was brilliantly tipped over by Martinez, while Villa’s Donyell Malen fired just wide in a frantic finale.

Arsenal were moments away from securing a draw, but Buendia scored with a powerful shot into the roof of the net from 12 yards after the Gunners failed to clear the ball effectively.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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