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Mikel Arteta had warned of the major hazards that awaited his league-leading Arsenal side at Villa Park. Aston Villa have in the past inflicted damaging blows to the Gunners' title aspirations. Just a short time ago, Unai Emery's team rallied from two goals behind to secure a point that hurt Arsenal's pursuit. Furthermore, two seasons earlier, Villa managed a pair of victories over Arsenal, with a last-minute on the road win playing a key role in handing the title to another rival.

A Battle of In-Form Sides

Therefore, Arteta and his team were well acquainted of the challenge of breaking down a Villa side in the midst of an exceptional run of results, having won twelve victories from their last 14 matches across all tournaments. Emery, in turn, understood the scale of beating an Arsenal team that had claimed 17 of their 21 fixtures this season and had bolstered their squad in the off-season. Even without key defender Cristhian Mosquera, the backline with Jurriën Timber and Piero Hincapié did not look lacking in quality.

The Scene was Set for a Dramatic Conclusion.

Cash Fires Villa Into the Lead

Villa seized a first-half lead through an increasingly reliable outlet: full-back Matty Cash. 8 minutes after Declan Rice had heroically denied a vicious Cash effort, the Villa right-back thumped another attempt through the legs of goalkeeper David Raya. The goal came after Timber deflected a Pau Torres cross. Emery reacted with pumped fists as the entire Villa outfield swarmed to congratulate Cash in the corner for his customary celebratory gesture.

Arsenal Hit Back Following the Break

Arteta did not hesitate, introducing attackers Viktor Gyökeres and Leandro Trossard at halftime. The change paid off quickly. Trossard first blazed a half-volley just wide, before igniting raucous celebrations in the away end minutes later. After Rice muscled possession in midfield and Martin Ødegaard released the overlapping Bukayo Saka, a frenzy in the box followed. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could only parry Saka's cross, leaving Trossard to lash the loose ball into the net from close range.

A Breathless Conclusion and Last-Minute Heroics

The match raced at a frantic pace. Former Arsenal player Donyell Malen, now a Villa sub, dragged a shot wide. At the other end, Martínez got fingertips to a swerving Ødegaard effort. Just as the match seemed destined for a tie, the drama reached its climax in the 94th minute. In a chaotic penalty area melee, replacement Emiliano Buendía hauled himself up to force the ball over the line, sending Villa Park into utter bedlam. Former Arsenal goalkeeper Martínez raced to join the throbbing huddle of ecstatic Villa players near the center line.

Championship Battle Well and Truly On

This result propels Aston Villa firmly into the heart of the title race. The incredible reaction following Buendía's stoppage-time winner highlighted its importance. The fixture between the first and second teams, now divided by just three points, lived up to its hype as a possible campaign-altering encounter.