A last-gasp winner from Emi Buendia provided more drama in the Premier League title race as leaders Arsenal fell to a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa.
Both sides started fairly slowly in a cagey affair at Villa Park but the game burst into life with an early chance for Ollie Watkins, with David Raya producing a great save to keep it level.
Arsenal had their own goal disallowed for offside in the build-up but Villa opened the scoring soon after, Matty Cash arriving at the back post to steer in a superb finish.
The league leaders came out fighting in the second half, with Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres coming on for Eze and Mikel Merino, and the subs soon paid off as the Belgian fired in from Saka’s cross to level it.
This equaliser prompted frantic attacking from both sides as each looked for a winner, with Donyell Malen and Martin Odegaard having chances, before a last-gasp scramble in the Arsenal box allowed Buendia to curl a superb winner past Raya with the last kick of the game.
Relive all the action with our live blog below:
Aston Villa vs Arsenal live
- Aston Villa host Arsenal in the Premier League | Live on TNT Sports
- 90 +5' GOAL! Buendia wins it after penalty box scramble [AST 2-1 ARS]
- 77' CLOSE! Malen fires wide when one-v-one [AST 1-1 ARS]
- 53' GOAL! Trossard brings Arsenal level in second half [AST 1-1 ARS]
- 36' GOAL! Cash opens scoring with superb finish [AST 1-0 ARS]
- 10' SAVE! Raya saves well after great work from Watkins [AST 0-0 ARS]
Up next
16:30 , Chris WilsonArsenal’s next fixture is a Champions League game against Club Brugge in midweek, before the leaders face off against bottom club Wolves in Saturday’s late kick-off. That one kicks off at 8pm on Saturday, 13 December.
Villa’s next match is also a European tie, this one against Basel away, while they face West Ham away on Sunday, 14 December at 2pm.
Premier League fixtures this weekend
16:15 , Chris WilsonThis result is the first of the weekend in the Premier League, but there are some intriguing fixtures to come in the next few hours and days:
Saturday, 6 December
Man City vs Sunderland
Everton vs Nottingham Forest
Bournemouth vs Chelsea
Tottenham vs Brentford
Newcastle vs Burnley
Leeds United vs Liverpool - 5.30pm
Sunday, 7 December
Brighton vs West Ham
Fulham vs Crystal Palace
Monday, 8 December
Wolves vs Manchester United - 8pm
Premier League table
16:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s how the table looks then. Arsenal sit three points ahead of second-placed Villa, with Man City having the chance to go two points behind if they beat Sunderland.
1 - Arsenal - 33pts
2 - Aston Villa - 30pts
3 - Man City - 28pts (game in hand)
4 - Chelsea - 24pts (game in hand)
5 - Crystal Palace - 23pts (game in hand)
Gyokeres: 'In this way it’s extra tough'
15:50 , Chris WilsonViktor Gyokeres is out to speak to TNT, and he explains that it is “tough to lose football matches and in this way it’s extra tough”.
“It’s not a good feeling right now but we have to come back and we have a lot of games to go.
“I think it’s an opportunity every time we play. We’ve done very well so far in the league, so of course it’s not good to lose football matches, but we keep going.
“I mean, we have a game in the Champions League first and then back to the Premier League. It’s a different competition and we just have to keep going, we’re all very good state and we have t take it as it is, and we just have to move forward and look forward,” he added.
Emery: 'We dominated at times'
15:40 , Chris WilsonUnai Emery looks delighted as he speaks on TNT.
“So happy. We finished this week playing like we need to, competing, being demanding of ourselves, but playing with personality,” he explains.
“We dominated at times, got in the box, we were intense and aggressive when we needed it.
“Villa Park is special, the supporters transmitted the energy, we needed to transmit out energy and we did, and how they responded to the players was fantastic.
“Of course we are going to focus game by game, because we know we have to continue like that. Trying to focus on each competition, now we have the Europa League, but of course the Premier League is our first target.
“Of course, how we are doing, competing, how we are sometimes struggling but reacting, responding how we did today, this is the most important [thing],” he added.
Aston Villa thrust themselves into title race by exposing Arsenal flaw
15:30 , Chris WilsonEmi Buendia scored with the last kick of the game as Aston Villa blew the Premier League title race wide open with a dramatic 2-1 victory over leaders Arsenal.
Buendia scored in the fifth minute of time added on to end the Gunners’ 11-game unbeaten run in the league and cut the gap to just three points at the summit.
It was a thoroughly deserved victory for Unai Emery’s side, who have now won nine of their last 10 Premier League games and have firmly entered the title race.
Aston Villa thrust themselves into title race by exposing Arsenal flaw
More from Arteta
15:20 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta also spoke to BBC, so here’s what he had to say there:
“Very painful, especially after all the effort in the match. It was an open game, congratulations to Villa they are a really good side.
“We conceded a big chance in the first half with Ollie Watkins' goal. We had some dominance in the second half and I had the feeling we were going to win the game so to lose it in the manner we did is painful. Eighteen games unbeaten, you lose a game and that's what it is, this is football.
“It is what it is. We had a big chance when Declan [Rice] put the ball across for Noni [Madueke], they win a throw-in at the other end and get the goal - that’s football and the quality of this league."
“The level of consistency the boys have shown in this period is incredible so I only have thoughts to think we can do it again.”
Arteta reacts
15:10 , Chris WilsonArsenal boss Mikel Arteta had this to say after the loss:
"In the manner the way we lost it was difficult to take,” he says.
“We had moments in the first half and after that we started to control the game and had good situations. We didn't manage the ball well when we regained it. We started well in second half, scored, we were dominant. Then we had periods where we gave the ball away which could've cost the game before the actual goal. It is painful.
"The manner we played, the moment someone beats his own man the space is open, we had our moments but they are a good side. We were close a few times. We need to lift up and go again.
"Every week will be like this. We are 18 games unbeaten and the margins are so small. We have to focus on ourselves and certain standards today - individual levels weren't there in some cases. We have to go again.
On bouncing back, he adds, : "Consistency levels with everything that happened to us has been incredible. I have no arguments to think otherwise."
More from Buendia
15:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s more from matchwinner Emirates Buendia, who spoke to BBC:
"Incredible, the feeling to score that goal and help the team get the win, an important win against the table leaders. Really proud to help the team and score that goal. Very happy,” he says.
"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, really happy.
"We have to keep doing our job and stay focussed on us and prepare every game. The season is long and we need to work hard, game by game. Every match is difficult and we have to keep this mentality until the end,” he added.
Premier League matches
14:51 , Chris WilsonHere are the rest of the matches in the Premier League today:
Man City vs Sunderland
Bournemouth vs Chelsea
Everton vs Nottingham Forest
Newcastle vs Burnley
Tottenham vs Brentford
Leeds United vs Liverpool - 5.30pm
Villa in the title race?
14:46 , Chris WilsonAston Villa have won nine of their last 10 Premier League games. It's the first time they’ve had as many as nine wins in a 10-game spell in the top-flight since December 1919.
Since the start of March, nobody has won more Premier League games than Villa other than Man City, and the Villans have only lost one of their last 26 Premier League home games.
Buendia & Cash speak to TNT
14:41 , Chris WilsonEmi Buendia and Matty Cash spoke to TNT after the match, with the former calling it “incredible”.
“In the last couple of weeks we have shown some character, coming from behind in games. Incredible character and fight against the team top of the table. We fight until the last minute, the last second,” he added.
"We knew it was going to be a really demanding game but I think we were fantastic,” said Cash.
“The crowd here really helped us. Right at the end was the craziest I've ever been!
When asked what can Villa achieve this season, he adds: "Anything! We've got to take it game by game and keep working hard. At the minute we're on a great run but we know it's not even Christmas yet."
FULL-TIME! Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal
14:35 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal
14:31 , Chris WilsonWhat a match and what a result for Villa!
Both sides created some great chances but Villa deserve the win after taking the game to the league leaders, with Arsenal caused plenty of problems throughout.
While the Gunners created plenty of their own chances, they paid the price for some weak defending in the end, and they could find their lead cut to just two points today.
Meanwhile, could Villa have entered the title race this afternoon?
FULL-TIME! Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal
14:26 , Chris WilsonIt takes a good few minutes to confirm the goal and it’s basically the last kick of the game as the referee blows the final whistle!
GOAL! Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal
14:26 , Chris Wilson90 +5 mins
GOAL! UNBELIEVABLE SCENES AT VILLA PARK!
Villa have surely won it late on after a ridiculous goal late on!
They play the ball to Malen in the box and he lays it off for the cross, which is played to the back post and headed back across goal.
There’s plenty of diving to block shots as Arsenal defenders throw their bodies in front of the ball to block Kamara’s shot, but the midfielder and Buendia manage to claw it back before the latter curls a brilliant winner past Raya!
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
14:23 , Chris Wilson90 +4 mins
Time for a final Villa chance? Not quite as Sancho’s ball to Malen has too much on it.
The hosts come again though and there’s mayhem in the Arsenal box...
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
14:22 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
Arsenal are coming again but Villa are back in numbers here – they look as tough they’d settle for a draw.
Arsenal have half a chance as the ball in arrives at the feet of Madueke at the back post, but the angle is tight and he fires against the side-netting.
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
14:21 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
A long throw makes its way through to Martinez but Rogers can’t make anything of the pass on the counter.
Arsenal come again but Tielemans does well to stop Madueke and Lindelof eventually clears.
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
14:19 , Chris Wilson90 mins
We’ll have four minutes of added time as Raya’s deep free-kick is cleared.
Can we get the ending this game deserves?
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
14:18 , Chris Wilson88 mins
It’s been a superb game at Villa Park but can either side find a winner? It’s settled down quite a lot since those subs and there’s been a lull in activity.
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
14:15 , Chris Wilson85 mins
A corner for Arsenal as both sides prepare some final subs.
Rice delivers the set-piece but it flies onto the roof of the net.
Arsenal bring on Myles Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel Martinelli for Calafiori and Trossard, while Emi Buendia comes on for Cash and Torres makes way for Victor Lindelof.
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
14:12 , Chris Wilson83 mins
CLOSE! Not too far from an own goal here!
Villa come forward and the cross comes in from the left. Timber slides in to block and it comes off him and past Raya, bouncing almost along the Gunners’ goal line before it’s eventually cleared!
Moments later, Rogers gets in behind Calafiori too easily but he can’t work the space for a clean shot.
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
14:10 , Chris Wilson81 mins
Arsenal have made another change as Saka was replaced by Noni Madueke.
The game has become a bit more frantic now as both sides look for a winner.
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
14:08 , Chris Wilson77 mins
CLOSE! This should be 2-1!
Calafiori can't control the long ball and it runs to the Villa man in the box. It’s slipped through to Donyell Malen, who is 1-v-1 with Raya, but he fires his shot narrowly past the far post!
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
14:05 , Chris Wilson76 mins
Shouts for a red for Saka as he collides with Martinez when chasing a loose ball, but there was little in it.
Arsenal look the likelier of the two teams to grab a winner, but can they find a way through the Villa defence late on?
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
14:03 , Chris Wilson74 mins
It’s turning into quite a game at Villa Park, even if Villa have lost a bit of that counter-attacking threat.
Saka gets a booking after a clean challenge is penalised, and it looks like his reaction gets him the yellow. Poor refereeing though really.
Two more changes for the hosts, as Lamare Bogarde and Jadon Sancho come on for John McGinn and Amadou Onana.
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
14:01 , Chris Wilson72 mins
Curiously, Villa have lost a little bit of threat as Malen has come on, with the Dutchman clearly far less confident with taking on the Arsenal defenders alone.
This is making it a lot easier for Arsenal to put pressure on, with the latest chance seeing Rice head Saka’s cross back across goal in the direction of Gyokeres, but the striker can’t get to it ahead of Konsa.
On the counter, Calafiori is yellow carded for preventing the Villa man getting through, and the Italian will miss the next match.
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
13:59 , Chris Wilson69 mins
CLOSE!
Odegaard is having a great game for Arsenal and it looks like he holds the key to finding any winner today.
He’s not far just there either, hitting a lovely strike from distance that a sprawling Martinez does well to tip over the bar.
From the corner, the ball deflects out into the path of Saka, who curls an effort that looks destined for the bottom corner before Kamara blocks it.
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
13:55 , Chris Wilson66 mins
The flag has gone up but what a pass this is from Odegaard, reversing a disguised ball into the path of Trossard before the Belgian is flagged.
Donyell Malen comes on for Watkins for Villa.
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
13:54 , Chris Wilson64 mins
CLOSE! A mistake as Calafiori gives the ball away near the Arsenal box but Kamara can't capitalise, as Hincapie does well to make the covering tackle.
Moments later, Rogers leads the Villa counter and threads it through to Watkins, who fires a shot too close to Martinez.
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
13:51 , Chris Wilson61 mins
A long throw bounces over the Arsenal defenders before Rice heads out and Maatsen rifles an effort over.
Arsenal are struggling to get out of their half at the moment though, as Maatsen wins a throw off Saka.
The pressure is a little less from Villa but they’re still winning the key duels at the moment.
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
13:49 , Chris Wilson59 mins
Plenty of pressure from Vila but they just can't find the opening for now, with every Arsenal man back as McGinn looks to deliver a ball into the box.
Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
13:46 , Chris Wilson56 mins
Chances for Villa straight away after going level! Watkins goes 1-v-1 with Hincapie but can’t squeeze his shot past the defender, before the Ecuadorian is there again to clear and Tielemans’ free-kick is headed away.
Moments later, Cash can’t make anything of a brilliant diagonal from McGinn into the Arsenal box.
GOAL! Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
13:43 , Chris Wilson53 mins
GOAL! A great passage of play sees the visitors draw level!
It all comes from Rice winning it in midfield, before Saka ships it on to Odegaard.
The Arsenal captain finds the winger on the overlap and he plays a lovely cross into a dangerous position towards the back post.
Martinez gets a glove to it but it only serves to punch not directly to Trossard, who blasts an effort through the bodies on the line to level it!
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
13:41 , Chris Wilson52 mins
88 per cent possession for the visitors so far in this half, though it’s only been going on just over five minutes. Still, it shows you how the second period has started!
They win it back and Maatsen carries them out of danger for now, and they enjoy their first bit of sustained possession in the second half, though it doesn’t last long...
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
13:39 , Chris Wilson50 mins
CLOSE!
Plenty of early pressure from Arsenal but the latest long throw comes to nothing.
The hosts are struggling to keep the ball when they do get it though, and Arsenal come again, with Odegaard clipping a lovely ball to the back post and Trossard volleying it narrowly wide of the far post.
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
13:36 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Good start from Arsenal, as Saka swings in a dangerous cross that Konsa heads behind for a corner.
Nothing comes of the set-piece, though Trossard sees a shot saved by Martinez on the follow-up.
KICK-OFF! Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
13:34 , Chris WilsonBack underway at Villa Park!
Arsenal have brought on Viktor Gyokeres and Leandro Trossard for Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino.
HALF-TIME! Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
13:32 , Chris WilsonArteta clearly not happy with things and he’s readied some half-time changes.
We’ll be restarting imminently here.
HALF-TIME! Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
13:29 , Chris WilsonSo, a deserved lead for Villa at the break after a half in which they’ve created plenty against the Premier League leaders.
Ollie Watkins should have opened the scoring far earlier but in the end it came to Matty Cash to get the first goal with a superb back-post finish around 10 minutes from the break.
It’s no more than Villa deserve after a half in which they’ve pressured and harried the visitors, and while Arsenal have created chances of their own - with a slick goal ruled out for offside – Mikel Arteta will be slightly disappointed with what they’ve offered in the final third.
Villa should have more chances as the game opens up with Arsenal forced to hunt an equaliser, and there should be chances for both sides in what promises to be an intriguing second half at Villa Park.
We’ll be back underway soon in the Midlands.
HALF-TIME! Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
13:23 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
13:18 , Chris WilsonThe half ends with a mesmerising Rogers run as he beats three men on the left before narrowly missing the pass in the box.
That’s the last action as the referee blows the whistle for half-time, and Villa enter the break with a deserved one-nil lead!
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
13:16 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Just one minute of added time here as Watkins gets free down the right but fires his cross straight to the defender.
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
13:15 , Chris Wilson44 mins
A half-chance for the visitors as Rice clips a ball to the back post, but it’s alert defending from Maatsen.
Moments later, Rice wins the ball midway into the Villa half and sees the space opening up ahead of him, eventually bending a tame effort right at Martinez.
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
13:13 , Chris Wilson42 mins
CHANCE! A chance for the visitors this time.
It all comes from Saka, who picks the ball up on the right before skipping past Maatsen and into the box. He looks up to cut back to White but the defender’s shot is straight at Martinez.
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
13:11 , Chris Wilson39 mins
It's been all Villa since the opener as the hosts look to add to their early advantage. Nothing doing yet though.
GOAL! Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
13:09 , Chris Wilson36 mins
GOAL! Villa are ahead and it’s a superb finish from Matty Cash!
There might be a hint of offside but we’ll see.
The ball comes in from the left and it’s aimed towards Watkins in the middle but he cant get anything on it.
The Arsenal defence seems to think the danger is gone but they haven’t spotted Cash arriving at the back post, and the full-back rifles in a lovely first-time effort through Raya and into the bottom corner!
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
13:06 , Chris Wilson34 mins
Half a chance for Arsenal as the diagonal ball in is headed back towards Eze, but he can't wrestle free of Torres and fouls the Villa man.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
13:03 , Chris Wilson31 mins
A few sloppy exchanges of possession in midfield mean that neither side has really got anywhere in the last couple of minutes, with the Villa crowd particularly annoyed that one challenge from Onana is penalised. It was a clear foul though.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
13:00 , Chris Wilson28 mins
CHANCE! Villa are finding plenty of joy on the counter and they almost get a goal from their latest foray forward.
They win the ball in their own half but they’re quickly in at the away defence, with Morgan Rogers played through on the left. He looks up and tries to find Watkins in the centre of the box but it deflects into the path of Cash, who fires a goalbound shot that Rice does brilliantly to block.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
12:58 , Chris Wilson25 mins
Huge cheer from home fans as Maatsen does well to win a corner off Timber, but the delivery is poor and doesn't clear the first man.
Moments later, Eze is fortunate to win a soft free-kick that prevents a potentially promising Villa move.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
12:54 , Chris Wilson22 mins
Brilliant play from the visitors but the flag is up as Eze taps in.
It’s a slick move in the Villa box, but the ball slipped to Saka on the right before he squares it for Eze to tap in, but Saka had drifted offside in the build-up.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
12:52 , Chris Wilson20 mins
Quite a cagey affair at Villa Park. There have been openings but both sides have lacked that final bit of quality when they’ve been in encouraging positions.
Riccardo Calafiori is picking up some very advanced positions to try and help the attack, though it could leave the visitors very open on the counter.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
12:49 , Chris Wilson17 mins
Villa are knocking it around well when they do have the ball, and they look dangerous on the attack, with Hincapie and Timber not winning as many long balls or duels as Gabriel and Saliba usually do.
Rogers and McGinn are picking up the ball in encouraging areas at the moment.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
12:46 , Chris Wilson14 mins
CHANCE! Saka has a go from distance and it forces a good save from Martinez, with Odegaard collecting the rebound.
He works it back for the cross and Saka is there again, but he heads wide of the far post.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
12:43 , Chris Wilson10 mins
CLOSE! What a chance after some great work from Watkins!
Calafiori falls in defence to open up the space, and McGinn threads through a pass to Watkins. He’s 1-v-1 with Hincapie and cuts back to get away from him before evading another challenge to take him 1-v-1 with Raya.
It looks like a certain goal for the England man but Raya dives early to his left and produces a great save!
Should have been 1-0 there!
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
12:40 , Chris Wilson9 mins
A high press results in the first shot of the game as Timber wins the ball midway into the Villa half.
It’s shipped on to Odegaard and he tries his luck from outside the area, but it’s too close to Martinez.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
12:40 , Chris Wilson8 mins
Arsenal are now starting to press higher, with Pau Torres doing well not to concede a corner just there.
The Gunners win the ball in midfield but give it away uncharacteristically quickly. It’s been stop-start so far with plenty of exchanging of possession.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
12:37 , Chris Wilson5 mins
Villa are a lot more keen to press Raya and co. when they have the ball early on, while Arsenal are beginning to put some pressure on in midfield.
A strange touch from Raya brings the ball closer to going in his own net but he manages to boot it clear.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
12:34 , Chris Wilson3 mins
Arsenal already looking pretty settled when in possession, though neither side has been able to put together anything in attack.
The Gunners are happy too sit off when Villa have possession in their half at the moment.
KICK-OFF! Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
12:31 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at Villa Park!
Can Arsenal extend their lead at the top of the league, or can Villa enter the title race (for however long)?
Aston Villa vs Arsenal live
12:26 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are in the tunnel at Villa Park, so we’ll be underway soon in the Midlands!
Premier League fixtures today
12:24 , Chris WilsonHere’s the full list of Premier League fixtures for the day then:
all 3pm unless stated
Aston Villa vs Arsenal - 12.30pm
Man City vs Sunderland
Everton vs Nottingham Forest
Newcastle vs Burnley
Tottenham vs Brentford
Bournemouth vs Chelsea
Leeds Utd vs Liverpool - 5.30pm
More from Arteta
12:22 , Chris Wilson“It is the reality of the level, you have to keep winning, the level is so high, we know we’re going to have to maintain it for 10 months,” adds Arteta on the title race.
On Villa, he adds: “They dominate a lot of the game, collectively, individually, they can create vertical attacks, set-pieces, they’re really well coached, well organised.
“Some day it has to be broken, and hopefully it will be today,” he adds on Villa’s run of results at home.
Arteta: 'It's an opportunity to perform'
12:18 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta has been speaking to TNT ahead of kick-off, and he calls the game “an opportunity to perform at our level against a really good side”.
“Depending on how the players are feeling, we know they’re at different stages, so I just put the strongest line-up but also think how I can change the game,” he says.
On Declan Rice, he adds: “Very important he gives us balance, threat, he makes everybody click. We had some players not available, but the ones who are available are in great condition and excited to play.
Match stats
12:15 , Chris WilsonArsenal haven’t conceded more than twice in any of their last 108 games in all competitions, the outright longest run of any team in English football league history surpassing Manchester United’s 107 between 2016 and 2018.
Mikel Arteta is one of only five to have won more than half of their 100+ away games along with Pep Guardiola, Alex Ferguson, Jürgen Klopp and José Mourinho.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal live
12:12 , Chris WilsonThe players are out to warm up on what looks like a very cold day at Villa Park...
Emery: Arsenal 'best team in the Premier League'
12:06 , Chris WilsonAston Villa boss Unai Emery has spoke to TNT ahead of kick-off.
“We are motivated. We’re feeling better, confident, but of course each match is a challenge,” he says.
“How can we show our commitment and capacity? Here at Villa Park, with energy, our supporters, we must show our quality in a very demanding match.
“I respect them [Arsenal] a lot, they’re the best team in the Premier League, they are playing not so brilliant with the ball, but they’re so so compact, good in transition, good at set-pieces,” he added.
Rogers for England?
12:00 , Chris WilsonThe TNT Sports crew are full of praise for key Villa man Morgan Rogers today.
“We probably need more, that’ll be something they’re looking at. Only three goals this season,” explains Martin Keown.
“From an England point of view, he can play a variety of attacking positions,” he adds.
Match stats
11:48 , Chris WilsonSince losing this exact fixture in August last season, Aston Villa have lost just one of their last 25 Premier League home games (W16 D8). They’ve won each of their last five at Villa Park since going down 3-0 against Crystal Palace in August.
In fact, since the start of March, no side has won more Premier League games than Aston Villa (16, level with Manchester City).
However, Arsenal have lost just one of their last 21 Premier League away games (W11 D9), going down 1-0 at Liverpool in August. Each of their last three away defeats have been to nil, with the Gunners unbeaten in 30 on the road when scoring at least once in the match (W21 D9).
Head-to-head
11:35 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met 188 times in the past, with Arsenal winning 82, Villa winning 66 and 40 ending as draws.
Last season, the Gunners ran out 2-0 winners in this fixture, before a 2-2 draw at the Emirates damaged their title hopes for another season.
Team news
11:30 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta has made three changes to the side that eased to the win over Brentford, with Jurrien Timber replacing Cristhian Mosquera in the only defensive change.
The midfield of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi continues, while Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze return to the wings in place of Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli.
Team news
11:24 , Chris WilsonAston Villa boss Unai Emery has made just two changes to the side that earned a dramatic win over Brighton last time out. In goal, Marco Bizot comes put for the returning Emi Martinez, while in the attacking positions, Evan Guessand makes way for Youri Tielemans, who is supported by John McGinn and Morgan Rogers.
Line-ups
11:18 , Chris WilsonArsenal XI: Raya; White, Timber, Hincapie, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Merino, Eze.
Subs: Kepa, Salmon, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Nwaneri, Martinelli, Madueke, Trossard, Gyokeres.
⚪️ 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🔴
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 6, 2025
🛡️ Timber at centre-back
💫 Eze bringing the spark
🎯 Merino spearheads the attack
Time to give our all, Gunners 🫡
Team news
11:16 , Chris WilsonAston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Kamara, Onana; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins.
Subs: Bizot, Digne, Lindelof, Garcia, Bogarde, Hemmings, Buendia, Malen, Sancho.
Today's starting XI to face Arsenal 💪 pic.twitter.com/w21fFzr9pZ
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 6, 2025
Team news
11:10 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Aston Villa had to call on second-choice keeper Marco Bizot after Emi Martinez sustained a back injury and was a late withdrawal from the squad against Brighton, with the Argentine a doubt for this weekend too. Ross Barkley and Tyrone Mings are expected to be sidelined until the end of the year.
Arsenal meanwhile have two more injuries to worry about and a particular crisis at centre-back, after Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera were both substituted against Brentfordwith leg injuries. The latter is expected to join Leandro Trossard and William Saliba on the sidelines but Rice told reporters after the game he was “fine” and is likely to feature at Villa.
Match stats
11:00 , Chris WilsonSince their return to the competition in 2019, Aston Villa have won five of their 12 Premier League games against Arsenal (D1 L6), as many as they had in their previous 45 against the Gunners before relegation (D14 L26).
Arsenal have won their joint-most away games against any side against Aston Villa at Villa Park. They’ve won 15 times in the Midlands, level with 15 wins at Selhurst Park.
Arsenal's injury list
10:45 , Chris WilsonPlenty is already being made about Arsenal’s injury problems, but just how long is the Gunners’ injury list?
It has varied at points of course, with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz as the main long-term absentees, though the Brazilian is now back training and playing lower-stakes matches.
The Gunners’ full injury list is currently as follows, with four players potentially making a return this afternoon:
Kai Havertz - Knee injury - Expected back: 31 December
Gabriel - Groin/hip injury - Expected back: 27 December
Leandro Trossard - Other issue - Expected back: 6 December
William Saliba - Other issue - Expected back: 6 December
Declan Rice - Calf injury - Expected back: 6 December
Cristhian Mosquera - Ankle injury - Expected back: 6 December
Ben White ready to play his part in injury-hit Arsenal’s title bid
10:30 , Chris WilsonBen White is ready to play his part in Arsenal’s title bid as injuries continue to afflict Mikel Arteta’s side.
The defender made his first Premier League appearance since the opening day of the season in the 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday night.
White impressed as well, linking up brilliantly with Noni Madueke down the right and setting up the opening goal for Mikel Merino.
Ben White ready to play his part in injury-hit Arsenal’s title bid
Mikel Arteta provides uncertain injury updates on Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera
10:20 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta is unsure whether Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera will be fit for Arsenal’s trip to Aston Villa on Saturday as he provided an uncertain injury update on the duo.
Arsenal’s growing defensive injury crisis worsened on Wednesday evening when Mosquera was forced off just before half-time of their Premier League clash with Brentford, hobbling down the tunnel after landing awkwardly.
Rice then joined the Spaniard on the treatment table as he limped off late into their 2-0 win at the Emirates with a calf issue, giving Arteta another injury scare.
Mikel Arteta provides uncertain injury updates on Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera
Arsenal flash their title credentials in Brentford win but injury shadow looms
10:05 , Chris WilsonHere’s the report from Arsenal’s midweek win...
Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka were on target as Arsenal kept the initiative in the Premier League title race with a routine 2-0 win over Brentford.
There was none of the chaos of Manchester City’s 5-4 win at Fulham 24 hours earlier, which moved them temporarily to within two points of the Gunners.
Instead, it was business as usual at the Emirates, with Arsenal extending their unbeaten run to 18 matches in all competitions with an eighth straight home win, another clean sheet, and stretching the gap at the top back to five points.
Arsenal flash their title credentials in Brentford win but injury shadow looms
When is Aston Villa v Arsenal?
09:50 , Chris WilsonAston Villa host Arsenal at Villa Park on Saturday 6 December, with kick-off at 12.30pm.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.
Predicted line-ups
09:42 , Chris WilsonAston Villa XI: Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Buendia, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Timber, Hincapie, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Merino; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Arsenal team news
09:36 , Chris WilsonArsenal meanwhile have two more injuries to worry about and a particular crisis at centre-back, after Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera were both substituted against Brentford with leg injuries. The latter is expected to join Leandro Trossard and William Saliba on the sidelines but Rice told reporters after the game he was “fine” and is likely to feature at Villa.
Villa team news
09:33 , Chris WilsonAston Villa had to call on second-choice keeper Marco Bizot after Emi Martinez sustained a back injury and was a late withdrawal from the squad against Brighton, with the Argentine a doubt for this weekend too. Ross Barkley and Tyrone Mings are expected to be sidelined until the end of the year.
Good morning
09:30 , Chris WilsonAston Villa host Arsenal on Saturday in a battle of two of the Premier League’s form teams.
Unai Emery’s men have now won four games on the trot and came out on top in a thriller at Brighton on Wednesday, roaring back from 2-0 down to lead 4-2 and clinging on for a 4-3 win, with Ollie Watkins scoring a brace and looking back to his best.
Meanwhile league leaders Arsenal comfortably saw off Brentford at the Emirates, coming back in style after dropping points in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel Arteta’s side have a five-point lead over chasers Manchester City, with Villa one point further back in third, hot on the Gunners’ heels after a remarkable turnaround following their early-season slump.
