Arsenal 0–2 Aston Villa

Two late goals by Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins punctured Arsenal’s dreams of their first Premier League title in 20 years, as Aston Villa sealed a vital victory for their own Champions League hopes on a dramatic afternoon in North London. 

Substitute Bailey struck in the 84th minute, prior to England hopeful Watkins confirming an important triumph three minutes later, to confirm a win that will have huge ramifications at the top of the table.

With Liverpool surprisingly going down 1-0 at Anfield to Crystal Palace earlier in the day, Arsenal frustratingly failed to capitalise on Jurgen Klopp’s side dropping three crucial points.

Crucially Arteta made three changes with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus handed starts, with Jorginho and Gabriel Martinelli benched to accommodate them - meaning Kai Havertz drop back deeper than he had been operating at recently. The other change saw Oleksandr Zinchenko replace Jakub Kiwior at left-back.

Emery made two changes to his team that started the 2-1 success over Lille in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.

With Douglas Luiz suspended, Nicolo Zaniolo replaced him in midfield, while Mousa Diaby was preferred on the wing to goalscorer Bailey.

However, former Gunner Emi Martinez denied Arsenal for the opening 45 minutes in what was a must-win clash for Arteta’s side.

World Cup winner Martinez proved equal to the task for long spells, denying Kai Havertz twice as well as producing a stunning save to keep out Leandro Trossard’s close range effort.

Unai Emery – also making a return to his former stamping ground after an unhappy spell following the footsteps of Arsene Wenger back in 2018 – ensured his obdurate team would attempt to frustrate the home side as much as they could.

With Villa taking a 2-1 lead to France next week for their Europa League quarter-final second round clash at Lille, Emery set up his side to avoid defeat. Yet, Watkins nearly scored in the 41st minute, but his low drive struck the inside of David Raya’s bar and away to safety.

Martinez also saved well from Jesus’ drive from the edge of the area midway through the second half, as Arsenal strove for an opening.

Yet, the home side’s hopes would crumble with Villa’s two late goals, handing the initiative to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who remain top by a single point with six matches to go following their 5-1 rout of Luton Town on Saturday.

The loss which puts a severe dent in Arsenal title hopes came after they suffered a Premier League defeat for the first time since New Year’s Eve against Fulham, while Arteta's side have now failed to score in two of their last four league games at the business end of the season, having only gone goalless in three of their first 28 games this season.

Next stop is Germany for Arteta’s side, who are aiming to progress against Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, with the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie even poised at 2-2.