Arsenal vs Aston Villa LIVE!

Arsenal were stunned by two late Aston Villa goals as they lost 2-0 at home on Sunday to hand the initiative in the Premier League title race to defending champions Manchester City.

Villa substitute Leon Bailey tapped home from close range in the 84th minute before Ollie Watkins' sublime finish three minutes later sent Gunners fans streaming for the exits.

Arsenal remain second, two points behind City and level on points with third-placed Liverpool with six games left to play.

Fourth-placed Villa weathered pressure in the first half but were good value for the win which moves them three points above Tottenham albeit having played a game more.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa highlights

• GOAL! Bailey breaks deadlock late

• GOAL! Watkins adds quick second

Arsenal ratings: Odegaard superb, Gabriel sloppy and subs underwhelm

18:47 , Marc Mayo

Martin Odegaard 8

Opened up Villa with a succession of great passes and was outstanding out-of-possession. Arsenal got worse after he went off.

Read our full Arsenal player ratings!

How the table looks

18:40 , Marc Mayo

Aston Villa leap three points clear of Tottenham to hold the advantage in fourth place.

Man City two points clear of both Arsenal and Liverpool, with six to play.

Watch the Ollie Watkins goal to seal Villa's win

18:34 , Marc Mayo

Cool as you like!

Full-time!

18:29 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal lose at home to Aston Villa!

A potentially definitive result in both teams’ seasons.

Arsenal 0-2 Aston Villa | 90+5 mins

18:24 , Marc Mayo

Declan Rice pings a hopeful shot over.

Arsenal 0-2 Aston Villa | 90+3 mins

18:22 , Marc Mayo

The ball nearly drops for Eddie Nketiah but the clearance comes in just in time.

Near silence in the Emirates.

Arsenal 0-2 Aston Villa | 90 mins

18:20 , Marc Mayo

Eight added minutes.

Watch Leon Bailey break the deadlock

18:19 , Marc Mayo

All alone at the far post...

Arsenal 0-2 Aston Villa | 89 mins

18:18 , Marc Mayo

Eddie Nketiah on for Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Some Arsenal fans are heading for the exits, though.

GGGGGOOOOOOAAAALLLLL!!!! Arsenal 0-2 Aston Villa | Watkins, 87'

18:17 , Marc Mayo

OLLIE WATKINS FOR TWO!

WOW! Villa have done it! They counter into space, Watkins holds off his man and chips home.

Arsenal 0-1 Aston Villa | 86 mins

18:16 , Marc Mayo

A cross from the left causes mayhem in the Arsenal box!

Pau Torres gets across the near post, dragging defenders with him, but fails to make contact.

No matter because Leon Bailey was free to tap home!

Arsenal need a big rally now...

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium:

A killer goal for Arsenal. What a day this is turning out to be for Manchester City.

GGGGGOOOOOOAAAALLLLL!!!! Arsenal 0-1 Aston Villa | Bailey, 84'

18:14 , Marc Mayo

LEON BAILEY BREAKS THE DEADLOCK!

That has been coming!

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 83 mins

18:14 , Marc Mayo

Villa, who still haven’t had a shot on target by the way (but two shots have hit the woodwork), are still suffocating Arsenal and win another corner.

Is a knockout blow coming up from the visitors?

They got short, and it’s half cleared.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 81 mins

18:11 , Marc Mayo

Kai Havertz connects with a Bukayo Saka cross. It’s a neat knockdown, quickly cleared amid a lack of attacking runners.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 78 mins

18:09 , Marc Mayo

Mikel Arteta’s last move to the bench hasn’t changed much, so he tries again.

Emile Smith Rowe and Jorginho will come on after Nicolo Zaniolo receives some treatment. He’s off for Alex Moreno.

Martin Odegaard off, which is a surprise. Perhaps worse for wear after that knock on the ribs. Gabriel Jesus, too, who’s been a bit average.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 75 mins

18:05 , Marc Mayo

The away end is where all the life is now as Villa win consecutive corners.

Pau Torres wants a handball as Takehiro Tomiyasu hits the deck in a scramble, nothing in it though.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 73 mins

18:03 , Marc Mayo

Nothing doing for Arsenal as Villa continue to turn the screw.

They’re taking their time on and off the ball, sucking the life out of this match and controlling far too much of it for the home fans’ liking.

A fresh cry of ‘Arsenal, Arsenal!’ is their attempt to jolt the Gunners into life.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 67 mins

17:57 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal changes. Ben White and Leandro Trossard off for Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Martinelli.

Martin Odegaard will continue.

Chief football reporter Dan Kilpatrick at Emirates Stadium:

If Arsenal win from here, we might look back on the efforts from Watkins and Tielemans which struck the woodwork as huge moments in the season. Both shots could hardly have been closer. Arteta is calling for Martinelli and Tomiyasu, with his side starting to look jaded.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 66 mins

17:56 , Marc Mayo

Villa tails are up now as John McGinn wins a corner off Declan Rice right in front of the away fans. Cleared at the near post.

A foul to the Gunners as Diego Carlos’ rather silly overhead kick attempt catches Martin Odegaard. He needs treatment.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 64 mins

17:54 , Marc Mayo

Kai Havertz booked and Villa load the box with increasing confidence that they can break this deadlock.

A nervy Arsenal clearance breaks forward and Gabriel Jesus’ shot is parried.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 63 mins

17:52 , Marc Mayo

CLOSE!

Youri Tielemans unleashes a wicked effort which cracks both bar and post before bouncing out.

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium:

Just 30 minutes left for Arsenal to find a winner here. Time for Arteta to turn to his bench, which looks strong. Gabriel Martinelli's pace would be perfect here.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 60 mins

17:50 , Marc Mayo

The first 15 minutes of this half have drifted by without any real urgency, certainly not from Aston Villa who look content to knock the ball around despite not yet registering a shot on target.

Arsenal win a corner and a roar from the home end highlights the fact that time is starting to run on a little.

Bukayo Saka’s cross is cleared, Declan Rice slashes a volley over.

Leon Bailey on for Villa, Moussa Diaby off.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 57 mins

17:46 , Marc Mayo

Really nice work by Martin Odegaard to trick his way through a pair of challenges. He’s looked sharp today.

Leandro Trossard, meanwhile, clips a cross into Emi Martinez’s palms.

Chief football reporter Dan Kilpatrick at Emirates Stadium:

Villa are looking more assertive since half-time and enjoying a spell of possession. That might suit Arsenal, though, if the hosts can exploit more space in the final third with quick counter-attacks.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 54 mins

17:44 , Marc Mayo

Decent spell from Villa and Nicolo Zaniolo has a shot blocked, before Ollie Watkins’ effort balloons upwards.

Arsenal have not exactly flown out the traps in this half.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 50 mins

17:40 , Marc Mayo

Handball shout just outside the box and this time Arsenal do get the call, Youri Tielemans the guilty party.

Martin Odegaard is primed to curl this one goalwards, from just to the left of the D.

It hits the wall.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 48 mins

17:38 , Marc Mayo

Gabriel Jesus tumbles in the box... goal kick.

Replays show that Diego Carlos just gets in front of him, VAR agrees.

Kick-off!

17:35 , Marc Mayo

No changes by either Arsenal or Aston Villa.

Arsenal on top but no breakthrough

17:28 , Marc Mayo

Liverpool’s defeat to Crystal Palace was a classic ‘one of those days’ games with the Reds dominant and missing several big chances.

Arsenal haven’t quite forged the quality or quantity of those openings yet, Leandro Trossard going closest half a minute after Ollie Watkins hit the post in Villa’s only real opportunity.

The Gunners have looked threatening though and it should be a case of taking confidence into the second half, rather than any sense of frustration from not having scored so far.

Watch Leandro Trossard go close to the opener

17:23 , Marc Mayo

Emi Martinez with the only real save he’s had to make of the half - but it was a good’un.

Half-time!

17:19 , Marc Mayo

Goalless in north London. Arsenal have been the better team, it has to be said.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 45 mins

17:17 , Marc Mayo

Morgan Rogers wins a free-kick right on the 18-yard line after a wild kick into the ribs of the Villa man. He was going for the ball, although that doesn’t save him from a booking.

Two added minutes announced as Lucas Digne puts the ball down...

Into the wall.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 44 mins

17:15 , Marc Mayo

Flag up anyway as Kai Havertz breaks the line. He cuts a fine ball into the six-yard box but no one had gambled on it - and Villa cleared easily.

Replays show VAR would have been interested in checking the offside...

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium:

Always seems to be the way that Emi Martinez has a stormer against his old club - and it appears to be that way today. Stunning save to deny Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 42 mins

17:13 , Marc Mayo

Bukayo Saka next to fire at goal - and it glides wide!

Good work from Ben White to tee him up.

Are we on the verge of an opening goal before the break?

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 41 mins

17:11 , Marc Mayo

SAVE!

Gabriel Jesus races down the right and Leandro Trossard has to score... but Emi Martinez denies him from point-blank range! He has to score.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 40 mins

17:10 , Marc Mayo

CLOSE!

Ollie Watkins so, so nearly punishes Arsenal’s massive error as Gabriel gifts him the ball in the Gunners’ half.

His shot hits the inside of the post and rolls away!

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 39 mins

17:10 , Marc Mayo

Martin Odegaard produces a delicious ball around the corner to release Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, not usually a target-man type, manages to win the aerial battle and head over.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 35 mins

17:06 , Marc Mayo

Nicolo Zaniolo spins Ben White and Moussa Diaby has space and options in a decent counter. He shoots, tamely, into a defender.

White booked after the move ends for pulling the Italian’s shirt.

Chief football reporter Dan Kilpatrick at Emirates Stadium:

Martin Odegaard is in the mood today. Full of lovely passes and flicks, and he's getting stuck into Villa too.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 33 mins

17:03 , Marc Mayo

Villa’s patient play means they’re trying to take the sting out the game rather than getting at Arsenal to threaten them, although it’s not really working.

The Gunners are just using their time out of possession to recharge before bombing forward again when they have it back.

A minor penalty appeal is waved away for the home team.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 29 mins

17:00 , Marc Mayo

Not happening yet for Aston Villa, they’re clearly looking to put a foot on the ball and build things gradually but Arsenal look well set at the back.

Ezri Konsa floats a cross into touch.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 25 mins

16:56 , Marc Mayo

You know, Arsenal were wasteful in losing at Villa Park earlier in the season and they haven’t made the most of their chances here so far, either.

Gabriel Jesus has an effort blocked before Martin Odegaard manages to win a corner from out of nothing.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 24 mins

16:55 , Marc Mayo

A nervy moment for Emi Martinez! The ex-Arsenal keeper’s kick lands right at the feet of Oleksandr Zinchenko and he tries his luck with the goal gaping.

But it drifts wide - and the defence got back to watch it just in case.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 22 mins

16:53 , Marc Mayo

A better spell from Aston Villa to respond to Arsenal’s pressure and Leandro Trossard is the player to drop back and make the smart intervention as Ollie Watkins shaped to shoot.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 20 mins

16:51 , Marc Mayo

Bukayo Saka the next to fire at the Villa goal after a slick ball in by Martin Odegaard. But it’s never really testing Emi Martinez and hits the side netting.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 18 mins

16:49 , Marc Mayo

CHANCE!

Gabriel Jesus nods wide at the far post! Super cross by Bukayo Saka and a weak header.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 17 mins

16:48 , Marc Mayo

Kai Havertz into the box and the flag goes up for offside after a tame effort is saved.

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium:

Bright start from Arsenal, who are playing some nice stuff - especially out wide. Havertz pushing on a lot from midfield to get into the box.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 15 mins

16:45 , Marc Mayo

Bukayo Saka left on the floor by a late challenge but Arsenal keep it moving with the advantage.

After a cross to the far post is cleared, Saka gently climbs back to his feet and Morgan Rogers takes a booking once the ball goes out.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 11 mins

16:42 , Marc Mayo

SAVE!

Superb reverse pass into the box from Leandro Trossard catches Kai Havertz’s run and his shot is parried by Emi Martinez.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 8 mins

16:39 , Marc Mayo

A fierce ball from Bukayo Saka is perhaps a little too fierce as it evades Kai Havertz’s glancing header. Gabriel Jesus was also in a good spot, ready and waiting.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 6 mins

16:37 , Marc Mayo

Lovely give and go between Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard sees the England winger break free down the right, but his cross is blocked.

That’s the first sniff of goal the Gunners have had.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 5 mins

16:36 , Marc Mayo

Some loose touches from both already with Oleksandr Zinchenko unable to control as he concedes a throw, before Ezri Konsa does likewise in the same spot a moment later.

Villa hit it long and David Raya controls the ball around the striker outside his box.

Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa | 2 mins

16:33 , Marc Mayo

An early long throw for Villa before John McGinn and Ollie Watkins aim attempts at goal, the latter goes over.

A ball to the face has Leandro Trossard on the floor requiring a moment to regain his breath.

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium:

Looks like Gabriel Jesus is playing up top as the No9. Trossard on the left wing and Kai Havertz in midfield.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa | Kick-off!

16:30 , Marc Mayo

We’re off at the Emirates. A win sends Arsenal top. A point or better kicks Villa clear of Spurs in fourth.

Here come the teams!

16:27 , Marc Mayo

John McGinn and Martin Odegaard lead the players out behind referee David Coote.

A cracking atmosphere in north London for this one!

The two managers give their final thoughts

16:22 , Marc Mayo

We’ve just heard from Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery on Sky Sports as kick-off looms.

"We need healthy players who are in good moments, we have many of them and they will make an impact whether they start or come on,” said the Arsenal manager.

"[The team selection] is always about the opponent, how we can dominate the game and the best way to start.

"Villa have courage in the first phase, they have really good transitions and set pieces. Really looking forward to it."

Emery said: "We are ready, we have to be focused on the match today and 100 per cent our gameplan is to keep it in 90 minutes. We have to be defensively strong, stop them and keep possession.

"Big challenge, but we're excited and motivated to play in the position we're in now."

Arsenal vs Liverpool | Countdown to kick-off

16:14 , Marc Mayo

We are just 15 minutes away from this game getting started with the warm-ups wrapping up out on the pitch.

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium:

I suspect news of that result at Anfield will travel quickly round fans here. A big afternoon for Arsenal suddenly got a whole lot bigger.

Exclusive Cesc Fabregas interview

16:11 , Marc Mayo

It has been 20 years since Arsenal last won the title, but Cesc Fabregas believes his former club are on the right track to return to the glory days of Arsene Wenger.

"Slowly, slowly you see that this team is growing," Fabregas told Standard Sport in an exclusive interview this week.

"This is 100 per cent a fact.

"You see the way they are competing in a different manner. The way they prepared the game against City, even I didn't expect it. I was expecting a completely different approach, but you see that they are managing maybe the situations a little bit better.”

Read the full story!

What that defeat means for the title race

16:06 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal stay above Liverpool on goal difference but now have a game in hand on the Reds, who are sat in third place.

That, of course, takes place in about 20 minutes’ time with the Gunners in second.

Manchester City lead the way with a two-point lead over Arsenal, having played a game more. The capital club’s goal difference is also seven goals better than City’s.

Liverpool lose!

15:59 , Marc Mayo

What a huge result for Arsenal as title rivals Liverpool are BEATEN by Crystal Palace at Anfield.

Run-ins analysed

15:56 , Marc Mayo

Liverpool face three away games in a row after today while Arsenal are largely avoiding the relegation battle.

Read the full story!

Mikel Arteta issues new Jurrien Timber update

15:50 , Marc Mayo

Jurrien Timber still has “a few steps to make” before he can return for Arsenal.

The defender has been out of action since August after injuring his knee in the first Premier League game of the season.

Timber is now back training with the Arsenal squad and Mikel Arteta is hopeful he will be back before the end of the season.

Asked when Timber will be back, he said: “Still he’s got a few steps to make.

“He needs to play at least a game with the 23s. We’re going to have an in house game too soon. He’s done everything in training now it’s about getting him match fit, having people around him and competing in a football match which is different to training.”

Arsenal vs Aston Villa | Countdown to kick-off

15:45 , Marc Mayo

We’re now just 45 minutes away from the game getting started in north London, with Liverpool still struggling to get a goal against Crystal Palace.

Simon Collings is at the Emirates and sends in his video reaction to the team news.

Leon Bailey left on the Villa bench

15:42 , Marc Mayo

A bit of a surprise from Unai Emery as Leon Bailey drops to the bench.

Nicolo Zaniolo and Moussa Diaby join Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins in the visitors’ attack, who are without the suspended Douglas Luiz.

Three changes for Arsenal

15:40 , Marc Mayo

Leandro Trossard comes in for Jorginho in an attacking move from Mikel Arteta.

Oleksandr Zinchenko also enters the XI, for Jakub Kiwior.

Gabriel Jesus gets the nod ahead of Gabriel Martinelli.

The reported knock for Gabriel Magalhaes has not kept him out the XI.

How Aston Villa line up

15:34 , Marc Mayo

Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; McGinn, Tielemans; Rogers, Zaniolo, Diaby; Watkins

Subs: Cash, Moreno, Chambers, Lenglet, Duran, Olsen, Kesler-Hayden, Bailey, Iroegbunam

How Arsenal line up

15:31 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli

Subs: Ramsdale, Partey, Smith Rowe, Martinelli, Nketiah, Kiwior, Tomiyasu, Jorginho, Vieira

Time for team news!

15:25 , Marc Mayo

The two teams have checked in at Emirates Stadium so let’s find out who’s made the line-ups...

Liverpool still searching for a leveller

15:19 , Marc Mayo

Just over half an hour to go at Anfield, where Liverpool are pushing hard but remain a goal down to Crystal Palace.

Fulham also still ahead at West Ham.

Cesc Fabregas eyes coaching job

15:11 , Marc Mayo

A stint working with Jack Wilshere at Arsenal’s Under-18s has whetted Cesc Fabregas’ appetite for a Premier League role.

The Como coach spoke exclusively to Standard Sport this week to discuss his plans.

Read the full story!

Rewind: Arsenal lose at Villa Park

15:02 , Marc Mayo

A single John McGinn goal gave Aston Villa the victory against a wasteful Gunners earlier in the season.

Head-to-head record

14:56 , Marc Mayo

These teams haven’t drawn against each other since November 2012.

Arsenal wins: 87

Draws: 45

Aston Villa wins: 70

Match odds

14:53 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal - 2/9

Draw - 4/1

Aston Villa - 15/2

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

A huge goal in the title race

14:43 , Marc Mayo

Heading towards half-time at Anfield and Liverpool are losing to Crystal Palace.

Eberechi Eze with the Eagles’ goal and they’ve also had a shot cleared off the line...

In the other 2pm start, Fulham are one up at West Ham.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa | Countdown to kick-off

14:30 , Marc Mayo

We are two hours away from the main event for this Sunday afternoon’s Premier League action.

Team news expected to drop by 3.30pm so let’s take a look around the grounds...

Arsenal vs Aston Villa score prediction

14:24 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal have the best defence in the league, keeping five more clean sheets than anyone else. The Gunners should outstrength Villa to keep their title charge going.

Arsenal to win, 2-0.

Our prediction for the Villa team

14:18 , Marc Mayo

Predicted Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Diaby, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers; Bailey, Watkins

Early Aston Villa team news

14:10 , Marc Mayo

Champions League hopefuls Villa have a less favourable injury list. Unai Emery will be without Matty Cash, Clement Lenglet, Tyrone Mings, Jacob Ramsey, Boubacar Kamara, and Emi Buendia against the Gunners.

Douglas Luiz is suspended after picking up his tenth yellow card this season against Brentford.

Ollie Watkins will feature. He missed Villa’s loss at Manchester City but scored twice against the Bees on his return from injury last weekend, and against Lille on Thursday.

How we expect Arsenal to line up

14:02 , Marc Mayo

Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli

Early Arsenal team news

13:57 , Marc Mayo

Jurrien Timber is the only expected absentee for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Dutch defender hasn’t featured since the first game of the Premier League season where he suffered an ACL injury against Nottingham Forest. His return date is unknown but Arteta announced he was “back training” last week.

Gabriel Magalhaes is a doubt with a knock and Gabriel Jesus should continue to be available despite revealing he is battling knee trouble.

“In elite sport to play without pain, I think it is very difficult,” he said.

“When you play every three days especially, and the level that we play, if you ask any player they will say that: ‘Yeah, sometimes there is pain and you have to deal with that’.

“That is what makes you as well and Gabi has this toughness and this character that he always wants to overcome [it]. He has overcome some difficulties in terms of injuries and he is ready again.”

Where to watch Arsenal vs Aston Villa

13:50 , Marc Mayo

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports with coverage beginning after Liverpool’s game with Crystal Palace.

Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa LIVE!

13:41 , Marc Mayo

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Arsenal vs Aston Villa!

The headline clash of this Premier League weekend kicks off at 4.30pm BST from Emirates Stadium as the title-contending Gunners face the top-four-chasing VIlla.

Mikel Arteta must contend with this tough encounter in the middle of his side’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, although Villa are also in European action.

Join us for all the build-up, team news, match action and reaction!