Entering the Emirates Stadium with news of Liverpool’s loss at Palace, Arsenal sought a victory to rejuvenate their title hopes.
Despite Arsenal’s early pressure, it was Aston Villa who came closest to scoring, with Watkins denied by the upright after capitalizing on a defensive error.
Emilianio Martinez was determined to shut out his former side when he pulled off a magnificent save to deny Trosssrd from close range.
Villa came close again, this time Tieleman’s dipping effort denied by the woodwork for the second time in the game.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 84th minute, when Leon Bailey slotted into an empty net from a Lucas Digne’s low cross which the Arsenal defence failed to clear.
Villa doubled their lead shortly after, with Tieleman’s exquisite ball over the top finding Ollie Watkins, who delicately chipped it over Raya for his 19th goal of the season.
With a 2-0 scoreline, Arsenal conceded all three points, slipping to second place, just a point behind current leaders Manchester City with 72 points.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s pursuit of Champions League football next season continues, marking a remarkable campaign for former Arsenal manager Unai Emery and his squad.
Mbey Williams