Emi Buendía’s Last-Gasp Winner Stuns Arsenal As Aston Villa Move To Second

‎A dramatic afternoon at Villa Park ended breathtakingly as Emi Buendía delivered a decisive strike with virtually the last kick of the game, sealing a 2–1 victory for Aston Villa and halting Arsenal’s impressive 18-match unbeaten run across all competitions.

‎The result not only delivered Villa their sixth consecutive league win at home, but also sent a resounding message to the rest of the league: Unai Emery’s side is a serious contender.

‎The win lifts Villa to second in the Premier League table, just three points behind leaders Arsenal, while simultaneously ending the Gunners’ impressive 18-game unbeaten run across all competitions.

‎A Frenetic Start Sets the Tone

‎From the opening whistle, both teams signaled their attacking ambitions. Goalkeepers Emiliano Martínez and David Raya were called into action early, each showing sharp reflexes as the match burst into life.

‎Martínez produced the first notable stop of the afternoon, denying Martin Ødegaard after a forceful challenge by Jurriën Timber set the Norwegian free. Moments later, Ollie Watkins danced past his marker to carve out space inside the Arsenal box, only to be foiled by Raya’s strong save.

‎Bukayo Saka grew increasingly influential as the half progressed.

‎However, despite twisting and driving toward the Villa goal, he saw an array of efforts, one saved, one headed wide, and another blocked, fail to give Arsenal the breakthrough.

‎Villa Strike First 

‎Arsenal thought they had the opener in the 22nd minute when Saka squared for Eberechi Eze to finish but VAR confirmed Saka had strayed offside.

‎Villa responded with fearless energy. Boubacar Kamara displayed exceptional awareness in midfield, sparking a move that ended with Declan Rice bravely blocking Matty Cash’s thunderous strike. But Cash wouldn’t be denied twice.

‎In the 37th minute, Pau Torres floated a dangerous ball into the area, which Timber inadvertently flicked perfectly into Cash’s path. The full-back smashed a low effort between Raya’s legs, sparking huge celebrations as Villa claimed a deserved 1–0 lead.

‎Arsenal searched for an immediate answer through Ben White and Rice, but their efforts were comfortably dealt with by Martínez in a half that belonged to the hosts.

‎Arsenal Hit Back as Substitutions Shift Momentum

‎Mikel Arteta wasted no time making adjustments, introducing fresh legs at halftime to wrestle back control. The changes paid immediate dividends.

‎Leandro Trossard became the focal point of Arsenal’s forward play, first forcing a save and then dragging a shot wide. But persistence rewarded him seven minutes after his introduction.

‎Martínez parried Saka’s driven ball across the box, and Trossard reacted quickest to bury the rebound and level the score at 1–1.

‎Villa refused to crumble. Watkins continued to trouble the Arsenal defence, while Ian Maatsen blazed a promising chance over the bar, restoring belief among the home crowd.

‎Martínez, playing against his former club, remained a towering presence, denying Ødegaard with a brilliant fingertip save. Moments later, Kamara blocked yet another Saka effort as the match maintained a frenetic, end-to-end rhythm.

‎Dramatic Late Twist as Buendía Becomes the Hero

‎As the clock ticked toward full time, both sides chased a winner. Donyell Malen came within inches of curling home for Arsenal, while substitute Noni Madueke struck the side netting in a moment that had Villa Park holding its breath.

‎Just when the game seemed destined for a draw, chaos unfolded in Arsenal’s penalty area.

‎Villa recycled possession, the ball pinged around uncertainly, and with seconds left on the clock, Emiliano Buendía, calm amid the storm, slotted home the decisive goal.