In a dramatic Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium, Unai Emery returned to haunt his former club as Aston Villa secured a stunning 2-0 victory over Arsenal. The result dealt a significant blow to Arsenal's hopes of clinching the league title and handed the initiative to Manchester City once again.
While the defeat may not be as crushing as their infamous loss to Brighton last May, it nevertheless leaves Arsenal with an uphill battle in the title race. Aston Villa outplayed the hosts in the second half, with Arsenal struggling to find their rhythm.
The breakthrough came in the 84th minute when Leon Bailey found the back of the net with a clinical finish at the far post, sending shockwaves through the Emirates Stadium. As Arsenal tried to recover from the setback, Ollie Watkins delivered the final blow with a magnificent goal, further denting Arsenal's title aspirations and bolstering Villa's position in fourth place.
The late collapse against Villa serves as a stark reminder of Arsenal's inconsistency this season and underscores the challenges they face in their pursuit of silverware. With crucial points dropped, Arsenal must regroup quickly and refocus their efforts in the remaining matches to keep their title hopes alive. As the title race heats up, every point becomes crucial, and Arsenal cannot afford any more slip-ups if they are to stay in contention.