EPL: Arsenal’s title hopes stalls with 2-2 draw against Aston Villa

Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions took a hit as they squandered a two-goal lead at home and were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.

A late goal that could have secured victory was ruled out in controversial fashion.

Kai Havertz thought he had snatched the winner in the 89th minute, but VAR intervened, showing the midfielder had handled Mikel Merino’s deflected shot before finding the net.

Earlier in the match, Arsenal seemed in control, taking the lead through Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian punished a lapse in concentration from Villa’s left-back Ian Maatsen, bundling in a well-placed cross from Leandro Trossard.

The Belgian turned provider again for Arsenal’s second, as Havertz netted his 13th goal of the season from the former Brighton winger’s cross ten minutes after half-time.

But Villa staged a stunning comeback, halving the deficit through Youri Tielemans’ header from Matty Cash’s cross on the hour mark, and equalising eight minutes later with a volley by striker Ollie Watkins.

The result leaves Arsenal six points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League, having played a game more than Arne Slot’s side.

Villa move into seventh, two points shy of fourth-placed Newcastle in the final Champions League slot.