Arsenal 3-2 Aston Villa: VAR Denies Kai Havertz’s Late Goal as Arteta’s Side Snatches Three Points
January 18, 2025
Arsenal missed out on a late winner as Aston Villa staged a dramatic comeback from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
In the dying moments, Mikel Merino’s effort struck Kai Havertz and found the back of the net, only for VAR to intervene. Replays revealed the ball had touched Havertz’s arm, leading to the goal being disallowed.
The Gunners had seemingly taken control early in the second half, with Havertz doubling their lead after Gabriel Martinelli’s first-half opener. Arsenal appeared poised for a comfortable win.
However, their evening took a sharp turn, dampening their title aspirations just hours after Liverpool’s injury-time heroics against Brentford.
Aston Villa fought back as Youri Tielemans headed in five minutes after Havertz’s goal, reigniting the contest. Then, Ollie Watkins capitalized on poor defending by Thomas Partey to volley home the equalizer, leaving the home crowd in disbelief.
With over 20 minutes remaining, Arsenal pushed for a decisive goal. Merino thought he had delivered it, but VAR once again dashed the celebrations.
In stoppage time, Merino came agonizingly close to redemption when his strike hit the post. Leandro Trossard’s follow-up was saved brilliantly by Emiliano Martinez, ensuring Villa held firm for a crucial point.
The draw leaves Arsenal trailing Liverpool by six points, having played one game more, in a race that just got tougher for Mikel Arteta’s men.
