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Mikel Arteta had spoken about the considerable dangers that awaited his league-leading Arsenal side at Villa Park. Aston Villa have historically inflicted painful blows to the Gunners' championship ambitions. Just months ago, Unai Emery's team rallied from two goals behind to secure a draw that hurt Arsenal's chase. Furthermore, two seasons prior, Villa completed a league double over Arsenal, with a last-minute on the road win playing a key role in paving the way for the crown to another rival.

A Clash of Form Teams

Therefore, Arteta and his squad were well acquainted of the challenge of breaking down a Villa side in the midst of an exceptional run of form, having won 12 victories from their previous fourteen matches across all competitions. Emery, conversely, understood the scale of beating an Arsenal team that had won seventeen of their 21 fixtures this campaign and had strengthened their roster in the summer. Even missing important centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, the backline with Jurriën Timber and Piero Hincapié did not look short in ability.

The Scene was Prepared for a Dramatic Conclusion.

Cash Fires Villa Ahead

Villa seized a opening period lead through an ever more reliable source: full-back Matty Cash. 8 minutes after Declan Rice had desperately denied a vicious Cash effort, the Villa defender drove another attempt through the legs of goalkeeper David Raya. The goal originated after Timber flicked on a Pau Torres cross. Emery celebrated with clenched fists as the entire Villa team swarmed to join Cash in the corner for his customary celebratory routine.

Arsenal Respond After the Break

Arteta did not hesitate, bringing on attackers Viktor Gyökeres and Leandro Trossard at halftime. The substitution proved effective quickly. Trossard initially whistled a volley just wide, before igniting raucous celebrations in the away end minutes later. After Rice muscled possession in midfield and Martin Ødegaard released the overlapping Bukayo Saka, a frenzy in the box followed. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could only parry Saka's cross, leaving Trossard to lash the loose ball into the net from point-blank range.

A Breathless Finale and Late Heroics

The game raced at a frantic pace. Former Arsenal player Donyell Malen, now a Villa sub, dragged a shot wide. At the other end, Martínez got fingertips to a swerving Ødegaard effort. Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, the action reached its climax in the final minute. In a chaotic penalty area melee, substitute Emiliano Buendía hauled himself up to force the ball over the line, sending Villa Park into complete pandemonium. Former Arsenal goalkeeper Martínez raced to celebrate with the throbbing huddle of jubilant Villa players near the halfway line.

Title Race Firmly On

This result propels Aston Villa firmly into the thick of the title chase. The incredible atmosphere following Buendía's stoppage-time winner highlighted its importance. The fixture between the top two teams, now separated by just three points, delivered on its hype as a potential campaign-altering encounter.