Arsenal v Aston Villa – Premier League latest as Bailey and Watkins stun Gunners

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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 with six games to go.

Arsenal had much the better of a goalless first half, without creating too many clear chances, but were thoroughly outplayed in the second.

Villa's goals came late, with Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins scoring in the 84th and 87th minutes. Watkins also hit the post in the first half, while Youri Tielemans walloped a curling shot against the post and bar.

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. They 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 really good enough for Arsenal. It was to get a whole lot worse.

That's an outstanding victory for Villa, and a potentially devastating defeat for Arsenal. Just like that, all the optimism of the past three months has been shattered.

Rice shoots high over the bar from distance. Arsenal know this is over - certainly today, maybe the championship.

Eddie Nketiah came on for Zinchenko after that second goal.

Arsenal could do with eight hours.

Manchester City are two points clear of Arsenal and Liverpool with six games to play. Arsenal's goal difference is superior, which means City can't afford a draw if - and it's a big if after today - Arsenal win their last six games.

They won the return fixture 1-0, so Unai Emery may well be the man who stops Arsenal winning the Premier League. Now that's an unlikely twist.

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 he was in his own half when the pass was played, so the goal stands. Arsenal are in all sorts.

They've tested him now - Leon Bailey has scored with their 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.

Konsa plays a neat one-two with Bailey and surges beyond Zinchenko, into space. He gets to the edge oft he area and drives a cross that is blocked by Gabriel.

Despite their second-half dominance, Villa still haven't tested David Raya in this game. They have hit the post twice mind.

Alex Moreno for Nicolo Zaniolo.

Jorginho and Emile Smith Rowe for Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus.

Kai Havertz has gone up front.

One Arsenal man is going to win the league. Granit Xhaka has scored twice for Bayer Leverkusen, who are about to become champions of Germany for the first time in their history.

Zaniolo, who has had a good game on the left, beats Odegaard and wins a corner off Tomiyasu. That leads to a second corner and then a third. Eventually Arsenal get the ball clear after spending the best part of two minutes in their own penalty area.

Their second half performance has been really flat. You'd expect them to have a spell of pressure before the end, but for now Villa are in control.

All of a sudden Arsenal are 20 minutes (plus added time) away from ceding control of the title race to Manchester City. They were really good in the first half but have been second best since half time. It's deliciously tense at the Emirates.

Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Martinelli come on for Ben White and Leandro Trossard.

Diego Carlos tried an overhead kick and accidentally whacked Odegaard in the chest. Odegaard is being treated but looks fine.

They have been outstanding in the second half, dominating possession and pinning Arsenal back. Things are getting seriously interesting at the top.