Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions took a significant hit as they squandered a two-goal lead in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz fired the Gunners into a commanding position, appearing to set Mikel Arteta’s side on course to keep pace with league leaders Liverpool. However, the game took a sharp turn midway through the second half.
Youri Tielemans scored his first league goal of the season to spark Villa’s comeback, and Ollie Watkins, a lifelong Arsenal fan, equalized moments before he was set to be substituted. Watkins’ 10th league goal of the campaign proved decisive, frustrating Arsenal’s hopes of securing all three points.
Late drama ensued when Mikel Merino thought he had scored a last-minute winner for Arsenal, but the goal was ruled out for a handball by Havertz after a VAR review.
The draw leaves Arsenal six points adrift of Liverpool, who remain firmly in control of the title race. The Gunners’ pursuit of their first league title since 2004 now faces even greater challenges as their inconsistency threatens to derail their campaign.
