
Aston Villa dented Arsenal's Premier League title hopes with a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz gave Arsenal a commanding two-goal lead with strikes on either side of halftime. However, Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins responded with goals for Villa, leveling the contest.
Mikel Merino appeared to restore Arsenal's lead, but his effort was disallowed due to a handball by Havertz.
It was a clash that very much could have gone either way, despite the hosts dominating chance creation.
The result leaves Arsenal in second place, six points adrift of Liverpool, who have a game in hand and secured a dramatic late win over Brentford. Aston Villa, meanwhile, remain seventh, just two points shy of the top four.
-
Ian Maatsen with a lot to learn before cementing left-back spot
Ian Maatsen's talent has been clear for all to see over the past 12 months. Being provided with the opportunity to further his abilities at Borussia Dortmund was huge. The left-back played a key part in guiding the German side to the UEFA Champions League final.
However Villa's style of play requires defenders to be extremely diligent defensively, Maatsen still has a long way to go in that regard. Offensively, he possesses the qualities to hurt any opposition. However, Gabriel Martinelli's goal came quite easily through Maatsen switching off defensively.
Luca Digne came on and provided the defensive nous that was missing from Maatsen in first-half. It must be remembered though, that Maatsen is only 22-years-old. Improvement will come with time, but today was a struggle for the Dutchman.
-
Away form beginning to improve at crucial time
Villa's away form has come under a lot of conversation, considering how poor it has been this season. The Villans have lost more away games (5) than the amount won (4) so far in the league campaign.
Unai Emery will be the first person to acknowledge that improvement is needed in that regard. Much of it can be put down to complacency, considering Villa rank fourth in the league when it comes to home form this season.
However, improvement in that respect is beginning to show. Point away at the Emirates in difficult circumstances, along with a win away at Everton earlier this week is a growing positive.
If Villa are to make it in the Champions League spots this season, then they will undoubtedly need to keep improving in away games at such a crunch part of the season.
-
Youri Tielemans continues to prove doubters wrong
When Youri Tielemans originally signed for the Villans, there was a lot of questions asked in regards to the fitness of the Belgian.
Tielemans was often mocked on social media in his Leicester City days, for his fatigue issues later in games. However Emery's management of the 27-year-old has been nothing but superb.
The midfielder has played in last four available games and completed every single minute. Once a player who was expected to be subbed off in second half, now a key part of Emery's side in every game.
-
Villa persist to get results without key players
While a lot of talk post-match will center around Arsenal losing a two-goal lead, huge credit should be given to Emery and his side.
Despite being without John McGinn and Pau Torres, Villa still showed their doggedness and tenacity on and off-the-ball. It would've been typical for sides to crumble at the Emirates after going two behind - yet it only spurred Villa on to make their stamp.
Emery's man management and involvement in recruitment should receive plenty of praise. Torres is a big miss, yet Tyrone Mings didn't look out of place throughout the full 90'.

