Aston Villa stun Arsenal with Buendia's last-gasp winner

BIRMINGHAM, England, Dec 6 : Aston Villa ended Premier League leaders Arsenal's long unbeaten run as Emiliano Buendia scored with virtually the last kick of the game to secure a thrilling 2-1 win that put his side right in the thick of the title battle at Villa Park on Saturday.

It looked as though Leandro Trossard's equaliser would extend Arsenal's run without a defeat to 19 games in all competitions but a scintillating duel was decided in dramatic fashion when Buendia fired home after a late scramble.

Matty Cash drove home a low shot to give Villa the lead in the 39th minute to reward his side's positive approach before substitute Trossard equalised from close range seven minutes after the restart with his 50th Premier League goal.

After that it was a whirlwind of attacking play with both sides unwilling to settle for a point. But it was Villa who secured a ninth win in their last 10 Premier League games to spark delirious celebrations from the home fans.

Victory moved them into second place with 30 points from 15 games, with Arsenal on 33. Manchester City could close Arsenal's lead to two points if they beat Sunderland later on Saturday.

"Incredible, the feeling to score that goal and help the team get the win, an important win against the table leaders," said Buendia, who was close to leaving in the summer.

"It shows the character of the teams in this league, they did well to try to block the shot with three players on the floor. I saw the space and had the opportunity."

No team in the top flight can match Unai Emery's Villa side over the last 10 games and Arsenal's defeat at the hands of their old manager once again will trigger alarm bells.

Emery masterminded home and away Villa wins over Arsenal in the 2023-24 season when