Arteta admits defeat was “Painful” after Buendia breaks Arsenal’s long unbeaten run

The Arsenal rocked by Villa storyline erupted at Villa Park as Emiliano Buendia struck with virtually the last kick of the match to end Arsenal’s 18-game unbeaten run in all competitions. In a pulsating contest between two title contenders, Aston Villa delivered a seismic statement of intent with a 2–1 victory that reignites the Premier League race and further fuels belief that Unai Emery’s side belong in the conversation.

Arsenal, missing three centre-backs and visibly uncomfortable with their reshuffled defensive pairing, struggled to cope with Villa’s energy and transitions. Matty Cash opened the scoring in the first half before Leandro Trossard equalised from the bench. The match appeared destined for a draw until Arsenal’s messy clearance in stoppage time gifted Buendia the moment to smash a ferocious winner into the roof of the net.

The defeat is Arsenal’s first since August 31 — also away from home — and arrives at a pivotal stage of the season. Villa, now just three points behind Arteta’s side, have won eight straight games in all competitions and continue to frustrate their former manager whenever they meet.

The equaliser flipped the tempo entirely. Villa threatened repeatedly on the counter, including another dangerous Watkins break that forced Raya into a full-stretch save. At the other end, Ødegaard’s rocket from 25 yards drew a superb reaction stop from Emiliano Martínez.

Donyell Malen fired inches wide moments before the decisive blow. Arsenal, seconds from escaping with a point, failed to clear a bouncing ball inside their own area. Buendia reacted quickest, lashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner to send Villa Park into eruption.

From our perspective, the Arsenal rocked by Villa moment is about more than one late goal — it’s a tactical warning. When Arsenal lose their composure in defensive structure, even briefly, elite sides punish them. Having followed Arteta’s project closely over multiple seasons, this match felt reminiscent of previous “momentum stoppers”: narrow margins, missing leaders, and insufficient control of critical game phases.

Although some might argue that a single defeat means little across a title season, it’s worth questioning whether Arsenal’s squad depth — especially at centre-back — can survive the winter period. Villa exposed gaps that will force Arsenal to be active in January. In our view, this performance strengthens the case for both defensive reinforcements and a more robust rotation at forward.

At the same time, it highlights something positive for Villa: they are not accidental title outsiders. Their structure, confidence and late-game threat are sustainable traits, not short-term form.

This wasn’t just a big win — it was a psychological blow. Villa have beaten Manchester City, pushed rivals aside, and now toppled Arsenal in a high-stakes environment. If they maintain this level through Christmas, the title picture becomes a genuine three-club race. Emery’s underplayed confidence during the week now looks like quiet certainty rather than modesty.

Arsenal must regroup quickly with fixtures piling up in December and pressure mounting at the top. Villa, meanwhile, head into their next match with belief growing and the table tightening. Manchester City could move within two points of Arsenal if they beat Sunderland later today.

👉 Arsenal fans — is this just a blip, or has the defeat revealed deeper concerns ahead of the title run-in?