Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead and dropped two crucial points in their pursuit of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.

The Gunners took the lead in the first half when Gabriel Martinelli latched onto Leandro Trossard’s cross and squeezed the ball just over the line. After the break, Trossard turned provider again, setting up Kai Havertz for Arsenal’s second, seemingly putting them in control.

However, Aston Villa responded with a diving header from Youri Tielemans to halve the deficit, before Ollie Watkins leveled with a powerful shot off the crossbar. Arsenal thought they had reclaimed the lead late on through Havertz, but VAR ruled the goal out for a controversial handball.

Mikel Merino struck the post, and Trossard missed a last-gasp chance as Arsenal were left frustrated at full-time.

Early Pressure

The game began with Arsenal on the front foot, winning four corners in the opening ten minutes. Despite the early pressure, Villa’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez making key saves to deny Trossard and Havertz.

At the other end, Villa had their moments, with Ian Maatsen forcing a save from David Raya and Watkins seeing a lob attempt go over the bar after a misplaced Thomas Partey throw-in.

Arsenal Take The Lead

The breakthrough came when Trossard delivered a teasing cross from the left, which Martinelli turned in despite Martinez’s efforts. Goal-line technology confirmed the goal, putting Arsenal ahead.

Trossard nearly doubled the lead with a powerful shot that flew just over the bar, while Merino saw a curling effort narrowly miss the target.

Second Goal And Villa’s Comeback

Arsenal’s second came after Trossard outpaced Matty Cash and set up Havertz, whose strike deflected in off Martinez.

But Villa quickly responded, with Tielemans diving to head in a cross from Lucas Digne. Moments later, Tielemans hit the post as the visitors pushed for an equalizer. Watkins eventually delivered it, finishing off a cross from Cash with precision.

VAR Drama And Missed Chances

Late in the game, Havertz thought he had restored Arsenal’s lead, but VAR disallowed his goal for a handball. Merino hit the post in the dying moments, and Trossard missed a golden opportunity to snatch the winner in injury time.

What’s Next?

Arsenal return to Champions League action midweek against Dinamo Zagreb, aiming to climb from third in the league phase. They’ll then face Wolves on Saturday in their eighth Premier League match of a hectic January.