Aston Villa started fast and almost took the lead early. Their first big chance forced a strong save from Raya, who kept Arsenal level and stopped the match from opening in Villa’s favour. The save helped Arsenal settle, but they struggled to control the game.
Villa continued to press, and their pressure was rewarded. They opened the scoring and put Arsenal under real pressure. Arsenal responded and found a way back with a well worked equaliser, but they never looked fully comfortable.
The match stayed open in the second half. Both sides pushed, but Villa carried more threat in the key moments. Arsenal kept possession but lacked control in midfield. Villa waited for the right chance and struck again late to seal the win.
The result ended Arsenal’s long unbeaten run in the league. They had gone eighteen matches without a loss before this defeat. It was also only their second league loss of the season. Villa earned the points with intensity, discipline and a decisive finish at the end.
