Arsenal are entering a key period in the Premier League title race, as a tight schedule coincides with a storm of injuries. The "Gunners" are currently 5 points ahead of Man City and have the opportunity to widen the gap when playing as early as round 15.
However, the absence of three of the four centre-backs Gabriel, Saliba and Mosquera has given coach Mikel Arteta a real headache. Visiting Aston Villa - the team in the highest form in England with a series of 6 consecutive wins in all competitions - Arsenal quickly struggled and forced goalkeeper Raya to continuously show his talent.
In the 36th minute, Matty Cash entered the penalty area and fired a decisive shot to open the score for the home team. Villa's counter-attacking defensive style of play was extremely harmful, and without Raya's excellent saves, Arsenal would have conceded more goals in the first half.
However, The Gunners still have stars who know how to shine at the right time. Early in the second half, Trossard chose a smart position to launch a 1-1 equalizer.
But that was also a rare bright spot that the away team created. In the 90+4 minute, in a chaotic situation in front of Arsenal's goal, Buends seized the opportunity to finish to seal a thrilling 2-1 victory for Aston Villa.
The painful defeat at Villa Park left Arsenal penniless and faced the risk of being chased by opponents narrowing the gap right after this round.
