Sat Jan 18 23:27:18 UTC 2025: ## Arsenal’s Title Hopes Take Hit After Late VAR Decision Denies Win Against Aston Villa

**London, January 18, 2025** – Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations suffered a significant blow tonight after they surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium. A late goal, initially awarded to Arsenal, was overturned by VAR for handball, leaving the Gunners frustrated and dropping crucial points.

Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring for Arsenal in the first half, and Kai Havertz doubled the lead early in the second. However, Aston Villa mounted a stunning comeback. Youri Tielemans pulled one back for the visitors just minutes after Havertz’s goal, before Ollie Watkins capitalized on poor Arsenal marking to equalize, leaving the home crowd stunned.

Arsenal pushed for a winner in the closing stages, and Mikel Merino believed he had secured it with a deflected shot that beat the Aston Villa goalkeeper. However, after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed due to the ball having struck Havertz’s arm in the build-up.

The result is particularly damaging for Arsenal, coming just hours after Liverpool’s dramatic late victory against Brentford. This leaves Arsenal four points behind Liverpool in the title race, having played one game more. Manager Mikel Arteta will be disappointed with the defensive lapses that allowed Aston Villa back into the game. The late VAR decision added to the frustration of a night where Arsenal failed to capitalize on their early dominance.

Read More