Arsenal Beats Aston Villa to Reclaim Top Spot on EPL as City Drops Point Against Forest

By Sakiru Olopade 

Arsenal returned to the top spot of the English Premier League with a late goals to edge out Aston Villa at Villa Park. It was an encounter Gunners needed a win at all cost to put back on track their title aspiration.

Aston Villa got the 1st goal as early as in the 5th minute through Watkins with a left footed shot that beat Aaron Ramsdale.

Arsenal responded well, with sporadic attacks and Busayo Saka in the 16th minute, smashed the bouncing ball into the net from 15yards, leaving Martinez astonished. The goal made it 10th goal of an excellent season so far for the sensational winger.

The game became ding dong affairs but Philippe Coutinho restored Aston Villa’s lead in the 31st minute.

However, Alex Zinchenko restored parity in the 61st minute, after receiving a mastery pass from the team’s skipper, Martin Odegaard from outside the box and his first time shot rested in the net for the more sought equalizer.

There was a late minute dramatic turn around as Arsenal scored two goals in quick successions, an own goal by the former Gunner player, Emi Martinez in the 93rd minute after a rebounce from Jorginho’s shot that hit the bar, while Gabriel Martinelli sealed the victory for the Gunners.

With the victory, Arsenal has returned to the top of the English Premier League.

At City ground, Nottingham Forest dealt a blow to Manchester City’s title hopes with a late minute goal from Chris Wood in 84th minute, after tapping in the ball at the far post from Gibbs White’s cross to send spectators into frenzy.

Benardo Silva, had earlier in the 41st minute opened scoring for the visitors with a rocket shot from 20 yards.

The Pepp Gaurdiola tutored side had the match under control with great dominance but missing several opportunities that came their way, with Kervin de Bruyne being the most culprit. While Nottingham Forest played most part of the game in their own half with occasional counter attacks. Forest scored with their only attempt on target, creating four chances to City’s 23.

The score draw had given Arsenal the opportunity to once again reclaim the top spot on the English Premier League with 54 points against Manchester City’s 52 points.

In the meantime, Chelsea’s unimpressive performance continued with a painful disappointing defeat at Stamford Bridge against the bottom placed Southampton.

The Graham Potter’s side was in a fine form , with free flow passes but their greatest undoing was failing to convert their chances.

Cesa Azpilicueta conceded a free kick on the edge of the Chelsea penalty box. Ward prowse, the free kick specialist, who had scored 8 goals from dead ball this season, stepped forward and clinically sent the ball to far side of the post to beat Kepa Arrizabalaga.

All efforts to come back into the game by the blues were thwarted by the determined Southampton defenders coupled with daring saves by Gavin Bazunu in goal.

Chelsea, since spending $356m in the winter window, had recorded zero win in four games.