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HomePremier LeaguePlayful two-goal lead and drama shortly before the end: Arsenal make a...

Playful two-goal lead and drama shortly before the end: Arsenal make a mistake

Arsenal threw away what had seemed like a sure win in just eight minutes. With 2-2 down, Havertz looked set to score late on to win it, but the VAR had something against it.

In April 2024, Aston Villa were the last visiting team to take three points from the Emirates. Unlike then, the Villans wanted to annoy Arsenal with a more defensive approach this time: the Birmingham team were in a deep, defensive position after the 2-1 in the North London derby against Tottenham. The Gunners, with two changes to the starting lineup, Merino and Gabriel Martinelli starting for Saliba (muscular problems) and Sterling (bench), were very deep and left the ball to their opponents.

In doing so, Villa initially restricted the hosts out of play – Thomas only missed the 1-0 after a corner kick variant (9th) – but it was at the expense of their own offensive efforts. Only Maatsen, the only newcomer after the 1-0 at Everton, tested Raya (13th).

Gabriel Martinelli takes advantage of Maatsen’s drowsiness

Otherwise, the former Dortmund player had a bad day. He kept losing duels with Gabriel Martinelli. He also slept at the far post when the Brazilian scored the opening goal (35th), shortly after Watkins had headed over the goal at the other end (32nd).

Before the break, another goal for the home side was on the cards, with the visitors repeatedly posing a threat from set pieces. But Trossard’s deflected shot was saved by Martinez (39) and Merino shot wide (40), meaning it remained 1-0 at half-time.

Tielemans missed double strike

The second half began with the same scenario – and the spectators may have had a sense of déjà vu when the second goal was scored. Trossard again set up the goal with a cross from the left. This time Havertz was the beneficiary (55′). The preliminary decision against the harmless guests? Not at all! The goal against seemed to wake up the Villans. Tielemans first used a diving header (60th minute) – after an assist from Digne, who came on for Maatsen at half-time – before missing a double strike with a shot on the post a minute later (61st).

The midfielder only postponed the 2-2: eight minutes after the follow-up goal, Watkins, who was left alone at the second post, equalized. Arsenal needed time to get their act together, but remained patient. The Londoners were supposedly rewarded for this: Havertz deflected Merino’s long-range shot into the net. However, since the Germany international changed the direction of the ball with his forearm, the big celebration after the VAR intervention (87′) was muted.

It was the start of a dramatic final spell, in which Merino – the Spaniard hit the post (90’+1) – and Trossard (90’+1, 90’+6) both failed to score the decisive goal.

The draw means that Mikel Arteta’s side are now six points behind leaders Liverpool again. The Reds still have another game in hand.

There is not much time for either team to take a breather, as Arsenal and Villa are back in Champions League action during the week. While the Gunners face Dinamo Zagreb (Wednesday, 9 p.m. CET), the Villans are in Monaco the day before (6:45 p.m. CET).

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