Thursday , 5 June 2025
Home International Sports Football Arsenal title hopes hit by Aston Villa comeback
FootballInternational Sports

Arsenal title hopes hit by Aston Villa comeback

Arsenal had a late goal disallowed as they dropped two points in the Premier League title race after throwing away a two-goal lead at home to Aston Villa.

Kai Havertz thought he had found the winner with a minute left in normal time but the goal was disallowed after replays showed he handled Mikel Merino’s shot.

The hosts had claimed a two-goal lead, with Gabriel Martinelli opening the scoring after taking advantage of some slack defending from Villa left-back Ian Maatsen to bundle home Leandro Trossard’s cross.

The Belgian turned provider again for Arsenal’s second, as Havertz netted his 13th goal of the season from the former Brighton winger’s cross ten minutes after half-time.

But Villa staged a stunning comeback, halving the deficit through Youri Tielemans’ header from Matty Cash’s cross on the hour mark, and equalising eight minutes later with a volley by striker Ollie Watkins.

The result leaves Arsenal six points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League, having played a game more than Arne Slot’s side.

Villa move into seventh, two points shy of fourth-placed Newcastle in the final Champions League slot.

William Saliba missed the draw in north London through injury and manager Mikel Arteta said he fears Arsenal could be without the France defender in the coming weeks.

“Tomorrow we will have more information, but am I worried? Yes, for sure,” said Arteta.

“Especially with the numbers that we have in the squad and looking at our bench.”

 

Related Articles

Qatar Airways named Official Airline Partner of FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Award-winning carrier follows series of recent commercial announcements ahead of the FIFA...

UFC to return to Paris for fight night on 6 September

The UFC has confirmed it will host a Fight Night event at...

Manchester City agree €55m deal for AC Milan midfielder Reijnders

Manchester City have reached an agreement with AC Milan to sign Netherlands...

Alcaraz powers past Paul to reach French Open semi-finals

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz delivered a masterclass at Roland Garros as he...