EPL: Aston Villa Stun Arsenal with Dramatic Late Goal

Buendia hands Arsenal defeat

Aston Villa beat Arsenal 2-1, Emiliano Buendia scores last-gasp winner at Villa Park.

Mikel Arteta made a tactical double change at halftime, and Arsenal dominated the second half...

Emiliano Buendia scored a stunning last-gasp winner as Aston Villa stunned Premier League leaders Arsenal with a 2-1 victory. Matty Cash had given Villa the lead in the 39th minute, but Leandro Trossard equalized for Arsenal seven minutes after the break. Buendia's dramatic goal, coming in the fifth minute of stoppage time, secured Villa's ninth win in their last 10 Premier League games, propelling them into second place with 30 points from 15 games.

Emiliano Martinez made a crucial save to deny Martin Odegaard, after Jurrien Timber had made a great run forward to win the ball from Morgan Rogers. Ollie Watkins also had a great chance, skillfully creating space in Arsenal's box, but David Raya made an equally impressive save to keep the score level.

Bukayo Saka's influence was growing, but he had several good chances blocked or saved. He fired an ambitious strike that was saved, headed wide, and had another shot blocked by Amadou Onana. Despite dominating possession, Arsenal struggled to break through Villa's defense.

The winger then looked to have been involved in a slick Arsenal opener 22 minutes into proceedings, but he had strayed offside before squaring the ball for Eberechi Eze to convert.

There were still no signs of Villa backing down, and a move started by Boubacar Kamara, showing great awareness, culminated in Declan Rice doing the same to block a venomous Matty Cash strike.

There was no stopping Matty Cash in the 37th minute. Jurrien Timber's clever flick on Pau Torres' cross diverted the ball into Cash's path, and he smashed it through David Raya's legs, giving Villa a 1-0 lead.

Arsenal pushed hard for an equalizer before halftime, with Ben White and Declan Rice having attempts saved. Despite their best efforts, the Gunners couldn't break through Villa's defense, and the hosts went into the break with a 1-0 advantage.

Incredible. 🍿@AVFCOfficial beat the league leaders and are now just three points behind in second! pic.twitter.com/lQwRQTOlia

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 6, 2025

Mikel Arteta made a tactical double change at halftime, and Arsenal dominated the second half, searching for an equalizer. Leandro Trossard had already had a shot saved and another agonizingly wide before scoring seven minutes after coming on, turning the ball home after Emiliano Martínez got a hand on Bukayo Saka's pass.

Ollie Watkins had multiple chances to put Villa ahead again, but was denied by the Arsenal defense. Ian Maatsen also had a shot fly just off target as Villa pushed hard for a winner.

Martin Odegaard had a great chance to win it for Arsenal, but Emiliano Martinez made a sensational save. The game remained intense, with both teams creating chances, but the score stayed level at 1-1.

As time ran out, chances were few and far between. Donyell Malen came close to scoring, hitting the post, while Noni Madueke's effort hit the side netting. It seemed the game would end level.

But Villa had one last trick up their sleeve. The ball was kept alive in Arsenal's box, and Emiliano Buendia stayed calm to score the winner, sending Villa Park into raptures. The hosts secured a seventh consecutive win, moving them to second in the Premier League table, just three points behind leaders Arsenal, who saw their 18-game unbeaten run come to an end.