Arsenal's title bid rocked by Villa fightback

Arsenal's Premier League title hopes suffered a major setback as they blew a two-goal lead in a damaging 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta's side were on course to keep pace with leaders Liverpool after goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz put them in control at the Emirates Stadium.

But the Gunners collapsed midway through the second half as Youri Tielemans' first league goal this season handed Villa a lifeline before Ollie Watkins bagged the equaliser.

Boyhood Arsenal fan Watkins was about to be replaced by Jhon Duran before his 10th league goal this season put a huge dent in the north Londoners' hopes of catching Liverpool.

There was an agonising finale for Arsenal as Mikel Merino's late winner was disallowed for handball by Havertz.

Second-placed Arsenal are now six points behind Liverpool as their bid for a first title since 2004 continues to splutter.

Darwin's Nunez's stoppage-time double for Liverpool sealed a 2-0 win at Brentford just half an hour before Arsenal kicked off, with groans audible from the stands as the result reached fans at the Emirates.

And with Liverpool holding a game in hand on Arsenal, Arne Slot's men are firmly in control of the title race.

Arsenal's 2-1 win against north London rivals Tottenham on Wednesday had ended a damaging run of three games without a win in all competitions.

That frustrating streak included the FA Cup exit against 10-man Manchester United and a League Cup semi-final first leg loss to Newcastle.

There was a pre-match blow for Arsenal as French defender William Saliba was ruled out with a "minor issue" and Villa eventually exploited his absence.

Villa had ruined Arsenal's title bid last term, beating them twice in the league including a crucial 2-0