Arsenal 0-2 Aston Villa: Gunners stunned by late show as Premier League title race takes another twist

The Premier League title is out of Arsenal’s hands after a crushing 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa left Manchester City two points clear at the top.

Arsenal had much the better of a goalless first half, without creating too many clear chances, but looked devoid of energy after the break and were totally outplayed by Villa.

The goals came late, with Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins scoring in the 84th and 87th minutes to give Villa a classic away victory.

Watkins also hit the post in the first half, while Youri Tielemans walloped a curling shot that crashed against the bar and post early in the second.

Arsenal’s best chance fell to Leandro Trossard just before half-time, when the former Gunners keeper Emi Martinez made a stunning save with his right foot.

The Gunners played some bright football in the first half, with Martin Odegaard superb, but were regularly thwarted by an admirable Villa defensive performance.

Villa set their sights higher after the break, controlling the tempo of the game to make the home crowd increasingly nervous.

Everyone at the Emirates knew that even a 0-0 draw wasn’t good enough for Arsenal. It was to get far worse.

On Saturday morning Pep Guardiola’s side were third in the table, knowing there was nothing they could do if Arsenal or Liverpool won their last seven games. It seemed unlikely that either would drop points this weekend, never mind that they would both lose at home. But Liverpool’s stunning defeat against Crystal Palace was followed by Arsenal’s slow second-half collapse against Villa, leaving City two points clear with six games to go.

There may well be more twists – all three teams have to play Spurs in the run-in – but it will surprise nobody if this is remembered as the day City won their fourth consecutive Premier League. The title is back in their hands, and the evidence of the last eight years is that they have an intimidatingly firm grip.

Carlos was the star of an outstanding Villa performance – calm, resilient and laser-focussed. His strength and speed stopped umpteen Arsenal attacks, particularly in the first half, with his best moment a superb recovery to dispossess Kai Havertz when he was through on goal.

Arsenal: Raya 6, White 6, Saliba 7, Gabriel 6, Zinchenko 5, Odegaard 8, Rice 6, Havertz 7, Saka 7, Jesus 6, Trossard 7. Subs: Smith Rowe 6, Martinelli 6, Nketiah 6, Tomiyasu 6, Jorginho 6.

Aston Villa: Martinez 8, Konsa 7, Diego Carlos 9, Torres 8, Digne 8, McGinn 7, Tielemans 7, Diaby 6, Rogers 6, Zaniolo 7, Watkins 8. Subs: Alex Moreno 6, Bailey 7.

38’ - WATKINS HITS THE POST! Gabriel’s sloppy pass hits his team-mate Zinchenko and rebounds to Watkins, 30 yards from goal. He runs at the backpedalling Gabriel, shifts the ball outside and drives a low shot back across goal. It beats Raya, hits the inside of the post and rebounds all along the goalline.

39’ - GREAT SAVE BY MARTINEZ! Arsenal almost take the lead moments later. Odegaard’s shot is blocked and spins to Jesus on the right side of the area. His low cross is met by Trossard, six yards out, and Martinez sticks out his right leg to make an outrageous save.

62’ -TIELEMANS HITS THE POST AND BAR! What an effort! Tielemans took a corner on the left that was headed away to Zinchenko on the left edge of the area. He dithered and was robbed by Tielemans, who whipped a spectacular across goal. It beat Raya all ends up, hit the underside of the bar, then bounced onto the inside of the post and out to safety.

84’ - GOAL! ARSENAL 0-1 ASTON VILLA (BAILEY): Leon Bailey has scored with Villa's first shot on target! Lucas Digne arced a superb first-time cross on the turn that beat everyone in the six-yard box and ran towards Bailey beyond the far post. Raya was out of the game and Bailey slid the ball calmly into the net. Actually Bailey did very well because the angle was tighter than it first looked.

87’ - GOAL! ARSENAL 0-2 ASTON VILLA (WATKINS): Ollie Watkins makes it two with a gorgeous finish! It came on the break from an Arsenal corner, with Tielemans curling a long pass to leave Watkins one v one with Emile Smith Rowe of all people. Watkins moved away from him and teased a slow-motion chip over David Raya. There was a suspicion of offside but Watkins was in his own half when the pass was played, so the goal stands. Arsenal are in all sorts.

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