Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes suffered a blow on Saturday as Aston Villa scored a last-gasp winner to claim a 2-1 victory at Villa Park.

The match appeared destined for a draw until Emiliano Buendía struck deep into added time, securing all three points for the hosts.

Villa took the lead in the 36th minute when Matty Cash capitalised on a loose ball inside the box, slotting it past the Arsenal goalkeeper. The goal ignited the home crowd and gave Villa control heading into halftime.

Arsenal came out for the second half with renewed intensity. Manager Mikel Arteta introduced Leandro Trossard for Eberechi Eze at the restart, and the Belgian forward immediately tested Villa’s keeper with a low strike in the 48th minute.

Trossard made the breakthrough four minutes later. Arriving late into the box, he guided the ball into the net to level the score, marking his fourth goal of the season and briefly swinging momentum in Arsenal’s favour.

As the game entered its final stages, both teams pressed for a winner. Youri Tielemans nearly restored Villa’s lead with a powerful long-range effort in the 87th minute, while Arsenal had a free-kick opportunity moments later, but failed to convert.

In injury time, Noni Madueke had a final chance for Arsenal, but his shot from the edge of the box went wide. In the fifth minute of added time, Buendía found space in the area and calmly lifted the ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations at Villa Park.

The victory lifts Aston Villa to 30 points from 15 games, keeping them in contention near the top of the table. Arsenal, meanwhile, see their title charge take a significant hit, now just three points ahead of second-placed Villa.