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Aston Villa vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result and reaction after late goals from Martinez and Martinelli

Aston Villa 2-4 Arsenal: Late goals complete Arsenal comeback as they move to the top of the Premier League

Michael Jones
Saturday 18 February 2023 10:04 EST
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Arsenal twice battled back from behind as stoppage time goals from Emiliano Martinez and Gabriel Martinelli helped them to a hard-fought victory at Aston Villa to reignite into their Premier League title bid.

Martinez, a former Arsenal goalkeeper, could do nothing as Jorginho’s strike cannoned off the crossbar and struck the back of his head to settle a thrilling contest 4-2 in favour of the Gunners.

Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho sent home side ahead on two occasions, only for Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko to equalise for Arsenal and keep them in the contest.

The Gunners’ winless run looked set to continue before Martinez inadvertently helped out his old side and substitute Martinelli tapped into an empty net after the goalkeeper went up for a late corner.

Relive the action as Arsenal defeat Aston Villa in the Premier League:

Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal

28 mins: Douglas Luiz has another opportunity to shoot from range when Aston Villa win a free kick about 30-yards out from goal. He drills his effort into the wall but the ball rebounds over to Alex Moreno.

The defender cuts onto his right foot and takes a shot of his own but it gets blocked and Bukayo Saka manages to run the ball clear.

Michael Jones18 February 2023 12:59

Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal

25 mins: The Gunners win a free kick over on the left wing that Martin Odegaard curls into the box. There’s a bit of argy bargy in the middle but Villa deal with the cross without too much trouble.

Michael Jones18 February 2023 12:55

Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal

22 mins: There were a few nervous moments for Arsenal when Bukayo Saka went down off the ball with a niggle. He’s back on his feet though and looks fine to continue.

Gabriel floats a cross field pass over to Leandro Trossard on the left wing but Matty Cash gets over quickly to tap the ball out for a throw in.

Michael Jones18 February 2023 12:54

Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal

19 mins: Arsenal have grown nicely into the game. They’ve done this a few times this season - going behind before responding well.

Oleksandr Zinchenko brings the ball down the inside left channel, runs into space and hits a left-footed effort straight into the arms of Emi Martinez.

Michael Jones18 February 2023 12:50

GOAL! Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal (Saka, 16’)⚽️

16 mins: There’s a game on here! Jorginho weaves and twists on the edge of the box as Villa look to take the ball away from him.

The Arsenal midfielder manages to slip the ball out wide to Ben White who whips in a cross that Tyrone Mings nods down to Bukayo Saka.

Saka shoots first time and drills a rocket past Emi Martinez who’s left rooted to the spot. Wonderful strike.

Michael Jones18 February 2023 12:48

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal

14 mins: That was wonderful defending from Tyrone Mings but the goal wouldn’t have stood anyway as the replays show Ben White had drifted offside.

Arsenal will take heart from the move though. It was a good one to break Villa down.

Michael Jones18 February 2023 12:44

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal

11 mins: Off the line! Jorginho brings the ball through the middle of the pitch before dinking a chip over the top and playing Ben White in on the right side of the box.

White touches the ball down then flicks it over Emi Martinez and looks to have scored an equaliser only for Tyrone Mings to sprint back and lift the ball onto the crossbar where it bounces behind!

Michael Jones18 February 2023 12:43

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal

8 mins: That is just the start Aston Villa would have been hoping for. Matty Cash did brilliantly to dispossess Zinchenko and transition the ball up to Watkins but it was the striker, who’s now scored in four successive league games, who made the goal. His finish was one brimming with confidence and style.

Arsenal look to respond through Leandro Trossard on the left. He puts the ball into the box but Villa defend in numbers and clear their lines.

Michael Jones18 February 2023 12:40

GOAL! Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal (Watkins, 5’)⚽️

5 mins: What a goal! Matty Cash picks the pocket of Oleksandr Zinchenko and drives down the right side before floating a perfect pass over the top to Ollie Watkins.

The striker’s first touch isn’t great but he guides the ball into the left side of the penalty area before smoking a wonderful finish past Aaron Ramsdale to give Villa the lead!

Michael Jones18 February 2023 12:37

Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal

3 mins: Aston Villa’s first foray into Arsenal’s half sees Philippe Coutinho bring the ball down the left wing before sliding it across to Douglas Luiz.

He’s miles out from goal but has space to take a shot and does so. Unsurprisingly the effort sails well wide of the right-hand post.

Michael Jones18 February 2023 12:33

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