Arsenal out of breath
After Arsenal's run to the top, the 2025/26 Premier League race took a crucial turn in just one moment in the 95th minute at Villa Park.
Everything was turned upside down. Emiliano Buendia's decisive strike not only gave Aston Villa a 2-1 win, but also put Unai Emery's side in a position to influence the title race.
Aston Villa's performance also exposed clear signs of Arsenal's decline during the most stressful period of the season.
Villa Park, which has become a nightmare for the big clubs after witnessing Man City's collapse, continues to swallow Arsenal - a team that has not lost since August and seems to be maintaining an "unrivaled" rhythm.
But Aston Villa's tenacity, speed and organisation under Emery – who knows Arsenal and Mikel Arteta well – are reaching maturity.
From 19th place in round 4, they now climb to 3rd place, only 1 win away from Arsenal.
Villa's run of seven consecutive wins in all competitions has made them the English side with the most wins since March. Emery has been the architect of a real rebellion.
The defeat on the night of November 6 was not an isolated slip. Just a week ago, Arsenal were disappointed when they were held to a draw by Chelsea, despite the Blues having to play with 10 men from the 38th minute.
It was a match that raised doubts about Arsenal's fitness and concentration, as well as their championship-winning spirit.
They controlled the ball a lot, but lacked speed, ideas and the sharpness that had been their trademark at the beginning of the season.
The cause of this situation is not difficult to recognize. The “FIFA virus” after the latest team gathering has made many key players tired, some returned with minor pain, some had to play up to 180 minutes in just 3 days.
Premier League turning point
The Premier League and European fixtures do not give Arsenal a moment to breathe. From now until Christmas, and then through the New Year, the schedule will maintain a rhythm of 3 matches per day - an intensity that has caused many teams to struggle in recent years.
Cristhian Mosquera's injury, while the main central defenders Gabriel and Saliba have not returned, forced Arteta to turn to the Timber - Hincapie pair.
They have quality, but not enough sharpness to shut down mobile strikers like Watkins or Buendia. Tired midfield, especially Declan Rice and Zubimendi, also caused Arsenal to lose their ability to press high up the pitch.
Martin Odegaard’s return was expected. However, apart from a beautiful shot that was blocked by Dibu Martinez, he could not help the “Gunners” overwhelm the home team.
On the opposite side, Aston Villa showed that they are a team that almost mirrors Arsenal: fast, disciplined, effective pressing and sharp counter-attacking.
The difference was the maturity in handling important moments. Matty Cash opened the scoring in the 36th minute after a decisive attack.
Arsenal equalised through Trossard early in the second half, but that burst only lasted a few minutes before they returned to the slow, plodding form of recent weeks.
While Arsenal were out of breath, Villa showed their uncompromising spirit. After shaking the visitors' defense, Buendia scored in the explosion of Villa Park.
Villa’s victory brought joy to the entire Premier League, especially Man City – the team that followed Arsenal with only 2 points. This is a sensitive time, and character will decide the score.
Arsenal have a good squad depth, but injuries and fatigue are showing their problems. If Arteta doesn’t improve soon, the advantage they have built up over the first four months of the season will disappear.
With Aston Villa, in a strange Premier League season, fans are dreaming of Unai Emery and his team maintaining stability to compete for the championship.
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/arsenal-thua-aston-villa-ngoai-hang-anh-hap-dan-nho-unai-emery-2470177.html
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