Arsenal conceded a goal in the 94th minute and lost 2-1 at Aston Villa, dropping points in their pursuit of the Premier League title for the third time in five games
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Emi Buendia of Aston Villa (R) celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Morgan Rogers (L) as Arsenal players look dejected during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on December 06, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Arsenal's title hopes have been rocked(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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David Raya was visibly furious after Arsenal threw away a draw with Aston Villa and saw their 18-game unbeaten run come to a bitter end. The Gunners had fought back from 1-0 down and looked set for a point at Villa Park.
But with just seconds remaining within the four minutes of stoppage time, Arsenal failed to clear their lines amid a goalmouth scramble and Emiliano Buendia powered a shot beyond Raya. After failing to keep it out, the Spanish goalkeeper fell to his knees and slammed his fists on the turf in anger, as the scoreboard ticked to 2-1.
Raya wasn't the only Arsenal player to show their frustration. Myles Lewis-Skelly put his shirt over his head while Martin Odegaard threw his arms in the air and firmly shrugged his shoulders.
The result hands title rivals Manchester City a chance to cut the at the top of the Premier League table to just two points, with Arsenal loosening their grip on first place in recent weeks. Mikel Arteta's side have now dropped points in three of their last five league games.
"In the manner the way we lost it was difficult to take," Arteta told TNT Sports. "We had moments in the first half and after that we started to control the game and had good situations.
"We didn't manage the ball well when we regained it. We started well in second half, scored, we were dominant. Then we had periods where we gave the ball away which could've cost the game before the actual goal. It is painful.
"The manner we played, the moment someone beats his own man the space is open, we had our moments but they are a good side. We were close a few times. We need to lift up and go again.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Mikel Arteta of Arsenal applauds the fans after defeat in the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on December 06, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta admitted that the loss was 'painful'(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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"Every week will be like this. We are 18 games unbeaten and the margins are so small. We have to focus on ourselves and certain standards today - individual levels weren't there in some cases. We have to go again."
The Gunners boss added to Match of the Day: "It is what it is. We had a big chance when Declan [Rice] put the ball across for Noni [Madueke], they win a throw-in at the other end and get the goal - that’s football and the quality of this league."
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