Arsenal back on track with Villa win in Premier League
Arsenal have twice fought back from behind as an injury-time own goal from Emiliano Martinez helped them to a hard-fought win at Aston Villa and breathed new life into their Premier League title bid.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper and world champion Martinez could do nothing as Jorginho’s lovely shot sped off the crossbar and into the back of his head to settle a thrilling 4-2 battle in the Gunners’ favor on Saturday.
Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho had put the home side ahead twice, only for fine goals from Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko to equalize for Arsenal.
The Gunners’ winless run appeared to be extended to four Premier League games before Martinez accidentally helped his old side and substitute Gabriel Martinelli then tapped into an empty net after the Villa stopper went up for a late corner.
Mikel Arteta’s side’s reaction has been impressive, with Wednesday night’s defeat by Manchester City seeping them fall from the top on goal difference and falling back twice here.
Watkins put the hosts ahead after six minutes after Poland full-back Zinchenko stole the ball.
But like the 3-1 defeat by City, Arsenal’s initial reaction to being behind was good and – again a reflection of Wednesday night – they drew level through Saka, who chipped his attempt past Martinez and scored his 10th goal of the season.
A questionable defense allowed Alex Moreno to slide a pass across the box, Emiliano Buendia faked Coutinho to score his first goal since the last matchday of last season.
After the break, Eddie Nketiah hit the bar with a header as the Gunners began to create more chances and Villa’s defense began to creak.
Saka had stayed and had played his part in Arsenal’s second equaliser, working through a short corner with Martin Odegaard that gave Zinchenko his first Premier League goal just after the hour mark.
Villa still had chances to take all three points and substitute Leon Bailey rushed on goal only to see Aaron Ramsdale turn his shot off the bar.
Arsenal took the lead for the first time after half of the six added minutes was up.
Jorginho came within inches of his first Arsenal goal as his long-range effort shattered the bar before bouncing off the unfortunate Martinez’s head and into the net.
While Villa himself was pushing for an equaliser, Martinez went for a last-minute corner but it was cleared and substitutes Fabio Vieira and Martinelli combined to put the result in no doubt.
