EPL: Arsenal stumble in title race after 2-2 draw with Aston Villa 

Arsenal dropped crucial points in the Premier League title race, squandering a two-goal lead at home to Aston Villa in a dramatic 2-2 draw.

Under pressure to win after Liverpool’s victory at Brentford, the Gunners saw their hopes dented once more by Villa, whose victory at the Emirates last season derailed Arsenal’s title bid.

Kai Havertz appeared to secure a late winner in the dying minutes, but his goal was disallowed after VAR showed he handled Mikel Merino’s shot.

Arsenal had taken control early on, with Gabriel Martinelli capitalizing on poor defending by Villa’s Ian Maatsen to convert Leandro Trossard’s cross. Trossard then provided again as Havertz headed in his 13th goal of the season ten minutes after the break.

However, Villa responded brilliantly, cutting the deficit through Youri Tielemans’ header from Matty Cash’s cross and equalizing with a sensational volley by Ollie Watkins eight minutes later.

The result leaves Arsenal six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, having played a game more. Aston Villa, meanwhile, climb to seventh, just two points behind fourth-placed Newcastle in the race for a Champions League spot.