Arsenal’s Title Bid Falters with Aston Villa Comeback

Cataleya

January 19, 2025 · 1 min read

Arsenal’s Title Bid Falters with Aston Villa Comeback
FootBall | January 19, 2025
Arsenal's title hopes take a hit as Aston Villa's comeback forces a draw. (Image: Getty)

Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes took a hit as they squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against Aston Villa at the Emirates. The Gunners, now six points behind Liverpool saw a late winner from Kai Havertz disallowed for handball after VAR review. Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring, capitalizing on Ian Maatsen’s defensive lapse to convert Leandro Trossard’s cross. Trossard set up Arsenal’s second, delivering a pinpoint cross for Havertz to notch his 13th goal of the season.

However, Villa mounted an impressive fightback. Youri Tielemans halved the deficit with a header from Matty Cash’s cross and Ollie Watkins volleyed home the equalizer after Thomas Partey left him unmarked. Arsenal, missing defender William Saliba due to injury, looked vulnerable with manager Mikel Arteta expressing concern over squad depth. Meanwhile, Liverpool extended their lead at the top with a stoppage-time victory against Brentford, leaving Arsenal with an uphill task in the title race.

Villa’s late revival was fueled by bold substitutions, including Lucas Digne replacing Maatsen. Digne’s cross set up Tielemans’ header which shifted the game’s momentum. Watkins under scrutiny for inconsistent form, delivered his third goal in five matches helping Villa climb to seventh, two points off the Champions League spots. Despite improved attacking form, Villa’s defensive frailties persist, as seen in their -1 goal difference after 22 matches.

Their reduced goal rate from last season underscores the need for greater consistency in both attack and defense to secure a top-four finish. For Arsenal, the draw raises questions about their title resilience especially with Liverpool in commanding form. The late disallowed goal added to the frustration, leaving fans and players dejected as they dropped vital points.