The Premier League title challenge for Arsenal suffered a major setback on Saturday as they let slip a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side were cruising with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz putting them in control. However, Villa fought back midway through the second half, with Youri Tielemans scoring his first league goal of the season to give Villa hope, before Ollie Watkins grabbed the equaliser.
Watkins, a lifelong Arsenal fan, scored his 10th goal of the season just before being substituted, leaving Arsenal reeling. The Gunners had a late chance to secure the win when Mikel Merino found the net, but his strike was disallowed for a handball by Havertz.
Arsenal, now six points behind leaders Liverpool, saw their chances of claiming a first title since 2004 slip further as they were unable to capitalise on a win at Spurs earlier in the week. With Liverpool holding a game in hand, they remain firmly in control of the race for the title.
The absence of William Saliba due to injury weakened Arsenal’s defence, and Villa took full advantage of the French defender’s absence. Arsenal had previously been undone by Villa last season, with the Midlands club taking crucial points off them in their bid for the title.
