Arsenal's Premier League title hopes faced another setback on January 18, 2025, as they drew 2-2 with Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium. Not only did the Gunners let slip what seemed like a comfortable two-goal lead, but they also suffered the frustration of having what appeared to be a last-minute winner ruled out by VAR.
The match began positively for Arsenal, who had claimed their first goal thanks to Gabriel Martinelli just before half-time. The Brazilian capitalized on some lax defending from Villa's Ian Maatsen to convert Leandro Trossard's cross, which was confirmed by goal-line technology as it barely crossed the line. Following the break, Kai Havertz extended the lead, netting from another Trossard delivery, which put Arsenal firmly in control at 2-0.
But the narrative shifted dramatically as Youri Tielemans pulled one back for Villa with a header from Matty Cash's cross around the hour mark, instilling hope for the visitors. Just eight minutes later, Ollie Watkins leveled the match, volleying home from close range after Arsenal's defense faltered.
The Gunners, emboldened by their initial performance, seemed poised to reclaim their lead late on when Mikel Merino’s hopeful shot from outside the box deflected off Havertz and found the net. Confusion blanketed the Emirates as the players celebrated, but VAR stepped in to clarify: Havertz had handled the ball, and the goal was disallowed.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, reflected on the disallowed goal's impact. "The decision is made. It's difficult. You have so much emotion and it is taken away. It is not easy," he shared with Sky Sports after the match. His sentiments echoed the disappointment felt throughout the stadium.
Villa's comeback successfully contravened Arsenal's dominance, which had seemed assured. It was the type of game where, for the first time this season, Liverpool fans likely viewed the title race as theirs to lose, sitting six points clear of the Gunners, who still have 16 matches left to play this season.
After the match, Villa manager Unai Emery claimed his side deserved the point. "From our point of view [a good result] is always deserved. We take the point and move forward," he asserted. His players responded well after half-time, displaying the mentality he hopes to instill.
On the contrary, pundit Paul Merson slammed the defensive lapses, labeling them as "schoolboy errors." He pinpointed specific moments where Arsenal's defenders failed to perform their duties. "Those goals could have been stopped today. I don't care what division you are in, those two goals can be stopped if you do your job," he stated.
Arsenal is left analyzing how to bridge the gap to Liverpool and find solutions to their recent form, having won just once in their previous five matches. Their defensive errors throughout this match have raised concerns, especially with key injuries affecting their line-up. Star defender William Saliba was absent, which added to the uncertainty at the back for Arsenal.
Looking forward, the Gunners will need to rectify their mistakes as they head back to Champions League duty midweek against Dinamo Zagreb, followed by another Premier League clash against Wolves next Saturday.
Despite their current challenges, Arsenal must trust their capabilities, as Martinelli noted after the match: "It's disappointing; we wanted to win the game. We have to keep going and improving; it is a long road still to travel. That's football, that's the Premier League, the most difficult league in the world."
With the season still intensifying, Arsenal knows they must sharpen their focus if they hope to keep up with Liverpool’s relentless pace at the top of the table.