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Aston Villa defeats Arsenal 2-0 as Emery harms the Gunners’ title prospects in the Premier League

Aston Villa defeated Arsenal as the Gunners lose hope for title race

Arsenal followed Liverpool in stumbling on their own turf, as Aston Villa’s victory allowed Manchester City to take the Premier League lead.

Late goals from Leon Bailey, who converted from a tight angle, and Watkins transformed the title race on what proved to be a decisive day as Villa pushed closer to a Champions League position the following season.

The hosts dominated the first 45 minutes with their precise patterns of play, forcing Villa to rely on their survival instincts to keep the game goalless.

Emi Martinez, back in his former home, made a remarkable first-half stop to keep Arsenal out.

Unai Emery, another guy back at the Emirates, put his team up for an away day and nearly gave them a shock lead. Ollie Watkins capitalised on an error to create a half-chance for himself, but his shot hit the post.

Villa demonstrated their willingness to play as they got more expansive in the second half, with tensions in the Emirates clearly rising.

Youri Tielemans watched a magnificent attempt go over the crossbar as the visitors appeared to be on their way to three points – and they did.

Bailey scored off the bench, and Watkins, who had been denied before, finished spectacularly in one of the season’s pivotal moments. Here’s the lowdown from Emirates.

Aston Villa shock Arsenal, allow Manchester City stay on top of English Premier League

Villa’s victory over Arsenal few months ago occurred at a time when they were flying high, had considerable momentum, and were untouchable on their home turf. Nobody expected them to replicate the feat in north London, but they gave their own ambitions a significant boost.

The Midlands outfit put up a stunning away day performance as they gradually crept into the game at the Emirates. Bailey eventually came off the bench to score in front of the travelling supporters, and Watkins also scored as Emery’s side raced into the top four, leaving Arsenal with a lot of work to do as they looked every bit like a Champions League team.