Arsenal failed to take advantage of Liverpool’s slip-up as the Premier League title race swung firmly in Manchester City’s favour after the Gunners lost 2-0 at home to Aston Villa.
Liverpool’s surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace earlier in the day had provided Mikel Arteta’s second-placed side with the chance to not only leapfrog City but move three points clear of the Reds.
Yet a sloppy second-half performance from the Gunners ultimately resulted in Villa substitute Leon Bailey side-footing home in the 84th minute before Ollie Watkins rounded off a magnificent win for the visitors, which may just see Arsenal’s title hopes slip away.
Emiliano Martinez had been on stunning form to thwart his former club in the first half, paving the way for Villa’s attack to capitalise and move Unai Emery’s team three points clear of Tottenham Hotspur in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.
Watkins looped a first-minute header over David Raya’s goal, though that was Villa’s only chance in a one-sided opening controlled by Arsenal.
Martinez repelled a fizzing Kai Havertz drive before Gabriel Jesus inexplicably headed wide following an inviting right-wing cross from Bukayo Saka, who drilled into the side-netting soon after.
A frantic 37 seconds towards the end of the first half saw both sides go agonisingly close.
Gabriel Magalhaes’ mistake gifted Watkins an opportunity, but he could only power a right-footed effort against Raya’s right-hand post, before Martinez produced one of the saves of the season at the other end.
