Arsenal 0-2 Aston Villa: Gunners miss chance to go top, Watkins & Bailey net

ASTON VILLA’s late show dealt Arsenal a massive blow in the title race.

2023/2024 Premier League

0–2

The Gunners were looking to take advantage of Liverpool’s defeat to Crystal Palace earlier in the day.

Leandro Trossard almost broke the deadlock in the first half only to be denied by a brilliant save from Emiliano Martinez.

However, Aston Villa came closest as Ollie Watkins and Youri Tielemans both hit the woodwork, with David Raya nowhere near the ball.

Tielemans was desperately unlucky as his strike strike hit the crossbar and the post before Raya claimed the ball.

The visitor’s persistence was rewarded as Leon Bailey slotted into an empty net in the 84th minute.

Watkins then made sure of the result just two minutes later with a composed chip over Raya.

The result means that Manchester City stays top of the Premier League table, while Villa have cemented their place in the Champions League spots.

0′ KICK-OFF! Who can win this match?

48′ Jesus goes down in the box

60′ Rice’s shot flies into the sky

62′ CLOSE! Tielemans hits the post

64′ Jesus’ shot saved by Martinez

78′ Smith Rowe and Jorginho in,Jesus and Ødegaard out

84′ GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Aston Villa (Leon Bailey)

Arsenal XI: Trossard, Zinchenko, David Raya, Martin Ødegaard, Jesus, Rice, Gabriel, Havertz, Ben White, William Saliba, Saka

Subs: Jorginho, Partey, Tomiyasu, Ramsdale, Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Martinelli, Jakub Kiwior, Fábio Vieira

Aston Villa XI: E. Martinez, Digne, McGinn, Tielemans, Carlos, Ollie Watkins, P. Torres, Ngoyo, Zaniolo, Diaby, Morgan Rogers

Subs: R. Olsen, Lenglet, Álex Moreno, Chambers, Bailey, Matty Cash, Jhon Durán, Kaine Kesler-Hayden, Tim Iroegbunam