Aston Villa took advantage of a dramatic Premier League game at Villa park to beat Arsenal 2 goals to 1. This is a setback to title chasing Gunners headed by Mikel Arteta. The hosts won the first half with a goal by Matty Cash. But the entry of Leandro Trossard at half time triggered the Arsenal revival as the scores were even in the beginning of the second half. But a thunderbolt by Emiliano Buendia in the 95th minute crowned the exciting victory of Unai Emery.
🇧🇪🪄 Leandro Trossard's last 6 matches for Arsenal…
• 🅰️ vs Burnley
• 🅰️ vs Slavia Prague
• ⚽️ vs Sunderland
• 🅰️⚽️ vs Tottenham
• ❌ vs Bayern (Only 38 mins played)
• ⚽️ vs Aston Villa
6 goal contributions! 👏 pic.twitter.com/wuzkhI62jZ
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 6, 2025
Tactical Tweaks, But Midfield Mayhem
Arteta reacted to a poor first half by being bold. The introduction of Trossard, Viktor Gyokores, and Noni Madueke, five attacking players, brought energy and creativity. The results of changes paid off in the short term as Arsenal possessed the ball and Villa was being forcing back. Nevertheless, in later stages of the match when exhaustion took its toll, the midfield of the Gunners failed. The newcomer, Declan Rice, who faced a blow, fought heroically, but the engine-room was not itself at its level best against the closing attack of Villa. Not reinforcing the center by Arteta cost him, as Buendia had the room to get his goal.
The ‘Pointless’ Signing: Norgaard’s Neglect
Then there is Christian Norgaard, 12 million summer signing by Arsenal of Brentford. The unproductive Gunners hero as sworn over by the frustrated supporters. The 31 year old Dane who signed as a Jorginho-Thomas Partey back-up, has made only two appearance in the league; 14 minutes cumulative because of an early injury. With midfield calls to experience, Norgaard was not used and instead of stability, Arteta took the offensive risks. When Norgaard can not manage to play even 10 mins in three games within ten days, why sign him? one supporter vented online. Even Norgaard himself admitted the rivalry: There are some of the most in my position here. It’ll be competitive.”
Title Warning from Arteta
A disheartened Arteta celebrated the title merits of Villa afterwards, but threatened a dramatic season, arguing he had complete confidence in his team. However, Norgaard being put on the bench highlights, even greater concerns on squad depth. The ambitions of Arsenal remain on a thread – time to turn, or meet with further doses of Villa Park misery.
As featured on GoonerNews.com