Arsenal suffer massive blow in Premier League title race: Stats
Arsenal were stunned by Aston Villa on matchday 33 of the Premier League 2023-24 season on Sunday. The Gunners had the chance to move back to the top of the table but the defeat sees them remain second behind Manchester City. After Liverpool's 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, it was a massive opportunity for Arsenal to gain advantage but they threw it away.
Arsenal miss chance to go top
After 32 matches, Arsenal remain second with 71 points. They suffered their fifth defeat of the season. Notably, both Liverpool and Arsenal had the chance to leapfrog current leaders Manchester City (73). Arsenal and Liverpool both have 71 points each with goal difference separating the two. Mikel Arteta's men still have the best goal difference among the trio (+49).
Aston Villa gain big with win over Arsenal
Having played 33 matches this season, Unai Emery's Aston Villa raced to 63 points, opening up a three-point lead over fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who lost on Saturday. Spurs have a match in hand. Villa claimed their 19th win of the season.
Aston Villa complete league double over Arsenal
Aston Villa have completed a double over Arsenal for the third time in the Premier League They did so earlier in 1992-93 and 2020-21 respectively. Villa are now unbeaten in their last 10 league matches in London (W7 D3). They have won on all six of their trips to London this season. Arsenal's last league defeat was against Fulham on New Year's eve.
Unbeaten run comes to an end
Arsenal were unbeaten in 11 Premier League matches before this defeat against Villa (W10 D1). They scored at least twice in each of their wins.
Here are the match stats
Arsenal had 1.62 expected goals compared to Villa's 1.13. Arsenal made 18 attempts but mustered only four shots on target. Villa had two shots on target and scored from both. The Gunners had 46 touches in the opponent's box and 51% ball possession.
Summary of the match
The match was headed for a draw before two late Villa goals stunned the hosts. Leon Bailey scored the opener in the 84th minute before an in-form Ollie Watkins added a second three minutes later. For dominant Villa, Youri Tielemans hit the woodwork in each half. Leandro Trossard saw his shot get saved by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, which was Arsenal's best moment.
Watkins keeps shining for red-hot Villa
Watkins has scored 19 Premier League goals this season (A10). It is now the joint-most by an Aston Villa player in a campaign in the competition (leveled with Christian Benteke in 2012-13). In 141 Premier League appearances, he owns 59 goals and 23 assists.
