Arsenal vs Aston Villa LIVE: Result from the Emirates as visitors come from 2-0 down to draw
Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa: Visitors come from two goals down to grab a result in entertaining clash
Arsenal let a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 against Aston Villa on Saturday night, as the Gunners once again lost ground to Liverpool in the title race.
The hosts started the match quickly, squandering chances early on, but they were deservedly ahead at the break as Gabriel Martinelli bundled in Leandro Trossard’s cross at the back post.
The second half started in a similar fashion, and the pressure paid off after another excellent cross from Trossard allowed Kai Havertz to volley in for 2-0.
Arsenal looked like strolling towards a straightforward win at that point, only to fall asleep and allow Lucas Digne to swing in a brilliant cross that Youri Tielemans dived to head in.
Villa’s pressure then told as Ollie Watkins volleyed in Matty Cash’s cross to equalise late on.
There was still room for more drama at the Emirates as Mikel Merino’s effort was disallowed after hitting Havertz’s hand on the way in, but the points were shared in a match that could prove pivotal in the title race.
Follow all of the latest from the Emirates Stadium in our live blog below:
Mikel Arteta tells Bukayo Saka to go on holiday during injury absence
Injured Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has been told to go on holiday by his manager Mikel Arteta.
Saka had been Arsenal’s star performer this season with nine goals and 13 assists prior to the hamstring injury he sustained in last month’s win against Crystal Palace.
The 23-year-old England international has been ruled out until at least March following surgery on the muscle tear.
But he was back at the Emirates for the first time – albeit on crutches – for Arsenal’s crucial comeback win against Tottenham on Wednesday.
However, when asked if he is happy for Saka to jet off on holiday, Arteta replied: “Yes, he needs to.”
Mikel Arteta tells Bukayo Saka to go on holiday during injury absence
Tributes pour in for 'true gentlemen' Denis Law after death aged 84
Wayne Rooney has paid tribute to Denis Law after the former Scotland and Manchester United striker died aged 84.
Law won two league titles with United and was a member of their European Cup-winning side under Sir Matt Busby in 1968 when they became the first English club to lift the trophy.
A short family statement read: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently. We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.”
Law scored a total of 237 goals in 404 appearances during an 11-year spell at Old Trafford until 1973, which places him third behind Rooney and Sir Bobby Charlton on United’s all-time list.
Tributes pour in for 'true gentleman' Denis Law after death aged 84
Denis Law, legendary Manchester United and Scotland goalscorer, dies aged 84
There was sad news late on Friday night with the passing of Denis Law, a fine footballer and fine man. Richard Jolly charts the life of a Manchester United and Scotland great.
Denis Law, legendary Manchester United and Scotland goalscorer, dies aged 84
Transfer news LIVE
And you can follow all of the latest twists and turns in the transfer market with our live coverage throughout January.
Transfer news LIVE: Man City close in on Marmoush, Arsenal chase forward
Manchester United hopeful of sealing Viktor Gyokeres deal despite Arsenal interest
Manchester United are hopeful of holding off competition for Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres to secure a deal in the summer.
Arsenal are understood to have raised the striker in discussions over a badly-needed forward signing for January, having brought forward plans from the summer after the ACL injury suffered by Gabriel Jesus.
Mikel Arteta this week admitted they are looking, and Gyokeres has been raised along with options such as Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Brighton's Evan Ferguson. Arsenal have not seriously pursued PSG's Randal Kolo Muani yet this window.
Man Utd hopeful of sealing Viktor Gyokeres deal despite Arsenal interest
Arsenal vs Aston Villa LIVE
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s LIVE coverage of the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Aston Villa. Amid an injury crisis, Mikel Arteta’s men revived their title hopes with a midweek derby win over Tottenham, but face another tough test against a side that knocked them off course last season.
Kick off is at 5.30pm GMT.
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