January 18, 2025
Arsenal's pursuit of Premier League leaders Liverpool suffered a setback as they surrendered a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 with Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners initially took control with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz, both assisted by Leandro Trossard. Martinelli opened the scoring in the 34th minute, converting Trossard's cross, and Havertz doubled the lead in the 54th minute with a first-time finish.
However, Aston Villa mounted a comeback, with Youri Tielemans reducing the deficit in the 59th minute through a diving header. Ollie Watkins then equalized in the 67th minute, finishing off a cross from Matty Cash.
Arsenal thought they had secured a late winner when Mikel Merino's shot deflected off Havertz into the net, but the goal was disallowed for handball after a VAR review. Merino later struck the post, and Trossard missed a chance in injury time, leaving the match level at the final whistle.
The result leaves Arsenal six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Manager Mikel Arteta expressed concern over a hamstring injury to defender William Saliba, who missed the match, and hinted at potential moves in the January transfer window to strengthen the squad.
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