Gabriel Martinelli gave Arsenal a deserved first-half lead when Emiliano Martinez failed to stop his effort from crossing the line.
A similar scenario unfolded for the Gunners’ second goal as Martinez got a touch on Kai Havertz’s shot but could not keep it out.
Just when Mikel Arteta’s side seemed to be cruising, Aston Villa fought back with a Youri Tielemans header.
The Belgian midfielder later struck the post with a chance to equalise seconds after his goal.
Villa eventually levelled 22 minutes from time when Ollie Watkins skilfully cushioned Matty Cash’s cross off the underside of the crossbar.
Arsenal thought they had snatched a late winner, but Mikel Merino’s effort deflected off Havertz’s hand and was disallowed after a VAR review.
Kluivert Shines as Bournemouth Shock Newcastle
Bournemouth ended Newcastle’s winning streak in spectacular fashion, with Justin Kluivert’s hat-trick inspiring a 4-1 victory and lifting the Cherries to sixth place.
The Magpies had aimed to set a club record with a 10th consecutive win in all competitions but were thoroughly outplayed by a Bournemouth side now unbeaten in 11 games.
Kluivert, son of former Newcastle striker Patrick Kluivert, had scored a hat-trick of penalties earlier this season at Wolves. This time, all three of his finishes came from open play in a rampant display at St. James’ Park.
Milos Kerkez added a fourth goal in stoppage time as Andoni Iraola’s team moved to within one point of fourth-placed Newcastle.
Bournemouth have never qualified for European competition before, but Kluivert expressed ambition for the team.
“Why not dream big? Let’s see where we can end up,” said the Dutch international.
Elsewhere, Leicester City suffered their seventh consecutive Premier League defeat as Fulham claimed a 2-0 victory at the King Power Stadium. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side are now perilously close to relegation.
Emile Smith Rowe and Adama Traore scored for Fulham, lifting them to ninth place.
Crystal Palace climbed to 12th after securing their third win in four games with a 2-0 triumph over 10-man West Ham.
Jean-Philippe Mateta netted a second-half double for the Eagles, with Konstantinos Mavropanos’ red card making the Hammers’ task even more difficult. Mateta sealed the win from the penalty spot late in the game.
AFP
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