Unai Emery’s Aston Villa dealt a significant blow to Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes with a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The result leaves Manchester City firmly in control of the title race, with Arsenal and Liverpool both faltering in their respective matches.
Villa’s victory was built on a solid defensive performance, with the visitors soaking up Arsenal’s pressure for much of the game. The Gunners controlled possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances, while Villa looked dangerous on the counterattack.
The breakthrough came in the 84th minute when Leon Bailey tapped home from close range after Lucas Digne’s cross found him unmarked in the Arsenal penalty area. Two minutes later, Ollie Watkins doubled Villa’s lead with a clinical finish after being played through on goal by Youri Tielemans.
The defeat was Arsenal’s first in the league this year and leaves them two points behind Manchester City with six games remaining. Liverpool’s title hopes also took a hit with a 1-0 loss at home to Crystal Palace earlier in the day.
Emery’s victory over his former club was particularly sweet, as it was the second time this season that Villa had held Arsenal’s high-flying attack scoreless. The result could prove costly for Mikel Arteta’s team, who are now facing an uphill battle to win their first Premier League title since 2004.
For Villa, the win puts them three points ahead of Tottenham in fourth place, although Spurs have a game in hand. The victory also gives Emery’s team a boost in their bid to qualify for European competition next season.
