Arsenal smashed their way back into the title race with a last-gasp 4-2 win over Aston Villa on Saturday (February 18) to go three clear of Manchester City at the Premier League summit after 23 games.
Mikel Arteta’s side were without a win in three league games. Their title push took a knock after they had suffered a midweek 3-1 defeat to title rivals Manchester City at home. Nervousness reached fever pitch in the fifth minute against Villa when Ollie Watkins gave the hosts the lead.
Arsenal hit back through Bukayo Saka’s brilliant half-volley in the 16th minute. However, Unai Emery’s side retook the lead in the 31st, with Philippe Coutinho slotting home from close range.
Arteta’s men came out a much more confident side in the second half, with Saka and Martin Odegaard causing problems. They grabbed the equaliser in the 61st minute when Oleksandr Zinchenko blasted past Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
It seemed as though the Gunners’ luck had run out when Odegaard missed a glaring opportunity at an open goal. However, Jorginho‘s phenomenal long-range strike in the 90+3rd minute deflected off Martinez and into the back of the net. The goal went down as an own goal for the shot-stopper.
Gabriel Martinelli confirmed Arsenal’s win in the 90+8th minute, guiding the ball into an empty net after the Gunners had broken on the counter. It was a crucial victory for Arteta’s outfit, who move above City for the time being. They boast a three-point lead over Pep Guardiola’s side, who face Nottingham Forest later in the day.
A frenetic end to an enthrallng clash between Arsenal and Villa went the way of the Gunners. One fan jokingly claimed that Martinez‘s past allegiance to the north Londoners played a part, remarking:
Meanwhile, another fan suggested that the Argentine goalkeeper was doing undercover work:
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the Gunners’ last-gasp win over the Villans:
Thank you Todd Boehly for helping us in this title race especially on deadline day.
83 touches
10 ground duels won
4/5 tackles won
3 dribbles completed
3 ball recoveries
1 goal
Arsenal’s key man. 
The conduit. 
The turnaround second half was fantastic. Arsenal looked themselves again.
Hilarious to see Martinez get his comeuppance. And won’t forget big defensive moments from Ramsdale & Gabriel.
Jorginho was buoyant of Arsenal’s title chances despite Manchester City defeat
Arsenal’s defeat to City was a massive setback, as they slipped to second place. However, Jorginho was confident that his new side just needed to believe as they eye a first league title since 2004. The Italian told BT Sport:
He added:
Arteta’s side next face Leicester City at the King Power on February 25. They will also keep a keen eye on how reigning champions City fare against Forest later on Saturday (February 18).
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