Arsenal host Aston Villa with great determination to win to narrow the gap with the top team Liverpool.
With home advantage, the Gunners attacked proactively and opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a close-range shot by Gabriel Martinelli, despite goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's efforts to save the goal on the goal line.
Early in the second half, Trossard assisted Kai Havertz to double the lead from a good position in the penalty area. It seemed that a two-goal lead would be enough for the Gunners to have a comfortable game, but Villa did not give up.
In the 60th minute, Tielemans headed home after Lucas Digne's accurate cross. Less than 10 minutes later, Watkins finished beautifully to equalize 2-2 for the visitors.
In the 86th minute, Havertz scored against Villa but the goal was recognized because the ball touched the German player's hand. Merino also had an unfortunate miss when his kick hit the post.
With so many chances created, the Gunners could not win against Villa. They stagnated in the title race and are now 6 points behind Liverpool. In April 2024, a defeat to Aston Villa cost Arsenal the title. This draw could very well cost Mikel Arteta and his team dearly in this year's competition.
