Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa: Watkins haunts Gunners again as Villans comeback from two down to dent title hopes
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins once again proved to be a thorn in Arsenal’s side, scoring the equalizer in a 2-2 draw on Saturday that dealt a significant blow to the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions.
Arsenal had been on track to bounce back from last season's disappointing home loss to Villa, with Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz both scoring close-range goals either side of halftime. A win would have put Arsenal just four points behind leaders Liverpool, but Villa came to life in the second half. Youri Tielemans headed them back into the game on the hour mark, and Watkins followed up by volleying a Matty Cash cross to level the score eight minutes later.
The late drama continued when Arsenal thought they had snatched the win. Mikel Merino’s effort deflected off Havertz into the net, but it was ruled out for handball against the German midfielder. The draw leaves Arsenal on 44 points, six behind Liverpool, who have 50, and having played one more game. Villa moved up to seventh with the result.
Watkins has a history of scoring against Arsenal, including a stunning goal in April that sealed a 2-0 win for Villa and dashed Arsenal’s title hopes. His goal on Saturday could have a similarly damaging impact on Arsenal’s pursuit of Liverpool, and Villa fans may have enjoyed seeing him torment the Gunners once again. With six Premier League goals against Arsenal, including four away, Watkins holds the record for most goals by a visiting player at the Emirates since joining Villa in 2020.
Arsenal can point to a disallowed late goal, but they only have themselves to blame for letting two crucial points slip away. Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration, stating: "The scoreline is nowhere near a reflection of the game... I'm not happy, I think the difference between the teams was very obvious." On the disallowed goal, he added: "The decision is made. It's difficult because we have so much emotion, the celebration and it's taken away from you. Not easy."
Arsenal’s title charge was also impacted by Liverpool’s stoppage-time victory over Brentford and the absence of key defender William Saliba. Villa, under Unai Emery, arrived determined to replicate last season’s win and push for a top-four finish.
Arsenal's Leandro Trossard was a key figure in their attacking play, providing assists for both of the Gunners’ goals. In the 35th minute, Trossard’s cross found Martinelli, who volleyed home to give Arsenal the lead. Trossard then set up Havertz in the 55th minute, with the German slotting past Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez.
Villa, after a quiet first half, came alive in the second. Tielemans pulled one back with a diving header off a Lucas Digne cross, and Watkins soon struck the equalizer, volleying home a pinpoint cross from Cash. Arsenal were left rattled, with Tielemans hitting the post and Watkins stunning the home fans with his goal. After the disallowed effort in stoppage time, Trossard nearly won it for Arsenal, his shot narrowly missing the far post.
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