Emiliano Buendia ignited pandemonium at Villa Park and transformed the Premier League title race with virtually the last kick of the match, sealing a dramatic 2–1 victory over leaders Arsenal and propelling Aston Villa to within three points of the top. The substitute’s composed finish deep into stoppage time capped a breathless, seesaw contest and extended Villa’s extraordinary run to nine wins in their last ten league games.
Villa had struck first through Matty Cash, who punished Arsenal’s lapse in concentration midway through the first half. Eberechi Eze had earlier seen a goal ruled out, and Arsenal themselves had threatened through a brilliant stop from Emiliano Martínez to deny Martin Ødegaard. The equaliser eventually came after the interval when Leandro Trossard stepped off the bench and made an immediate impact, bundling home early in the second half to pull the visitors level and briefly tilt the momentum in their favour.
Arsenal pushed with purpose in spells, and their substitutions — Trossard and Viktor Gyökeres introduced for Eze and Mikel Merino — shifted the tempo in their direction. But as the game wore on, the tension built, and Mikel Arteta eventually opted for caution, withdrawing Trossard late in an effort to steady his side and protect at least a point. Martínez, meanwhile, took every opportunity to slow the pace in the closing moments as Villa’s belief swelled.
Yet Villa Park sensed one last twist. Deep into the 94th minute, Martínez launched a long goal-kick after taking his time over the restart. Villa surged forward, bodies flooding the Arsenal box, and when the visitors failed to clear amid the chaos, Buendia pounced with remarkable calm. His low, guided finish sent the Holte End into rapture and left Arsenal devastated, their long unbeaten run halted in the harshest possible fashion.
Arteta admitted afterwards that the defeat stung deeply, particularly given how his side had battled back and created chances. He insisted, though, that the setback must strengthen them, acknowledging the emotional toll of losing after 18 unbeaten games but stressing that such moments help mould title contenders. He also confirmed Trossard’s minutes had been carefully managed due to fitness concerns, forcing the late change.
Unai Emery, meanwhile, praised his players’ relentlessness and the energy coursing through Villa Park, though he refused to be drawn into talk of a title challenge. While Arteta suggested Villa must be considered genuine contenders, Emery dismissed it, saying the marathon of a 38-game season makes such labels premature — at least until the run-in.
What is certain is that Villa are now firmly in the conversation, producing football of conviction, resilience and ambition. Arsenal remain top, but the table is tightening. And as Buendia’s last-gasp winner rippled through the Premier League, the title race — once seemingly steady — has erupted into life.
