Aston Villa v Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result and reaction after Kai Havertz denied late equaliser

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal: John McGinn’s early goal was enough for Unai Emery’s side as they moved to within two points of the top of the table

Huge credit to Villa and Emery for their turnaround - Arteta

Aston Villa continued their remarkable home winning run with a gutsy 1-0 win over Arsenal that lifted Unai Emery’s side to within two points of the top of the Premier League table.

Having out-played Manchester City earlier in the week, Villa produced a performance of real defensive strength to hold on after John McGinn’s early goal. The tireless home captain was emblematic of an industrious performance as the visitors suffered a set back in their chase for the title.

Arsenal had been knocked off top spot by Liverpool’s win earlier on Saturday, and missed a series of chances to suffer just a second defeat of the season. With Mikel Arteta watching on from the stands due to a touchline ban, Kai Havertz’s late leveller was ruled out after referee Jarred Gillett deemed the ball to have brushed the midfielder’s hand just before he converted from close range.

And with Aston Villa now just a point behind their opponents after a 15th consecutive home league win, there will be growing belief among the Villa Park faithful that their team can continue to mix it with the established big boys.

Re-live all the action below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:

Aston Villa vs Arsenal

• Aston Villa climb to within two points of the top of the Premier League table with an impressive win
• FT: Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
• 90’ Kai Havertz equaliser disallowed for handball
• 58’ Aston Villa saved by the woodwork before Martin Odegaard misses a great chance
• 36’ Off the line! Diego Carlos spares his goalkeeper’s blushes
• GOAL! ASTON VILLA 1-0 Arsenal (John McGinn, 7 minutes)

[9 December 2023 18:16 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 45 + 1 minutes

Arsenal defend the corner well, and Gabriel Jesus sticks to his defensive duties impressively to beat Leon Bailey to a cross when Aston Villa attack again.

[9 December 2023 18:15 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 45 minutes

The harassment of William Saliba by Ollie Watkins forces the Arsenal man into a loose pass, conceding the softest of corners. Two added minutes to be played.

[9 December 2023 18:15 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 44 minutes

Martinez collects the corner and takes a tumble, killing a bit of time as he clutches at a sore muscle. It feels like Aston Villa need the half-time break to reset.

Pau Torres was getting a little bit handsy with Declan Rice at that corner kick. Not enough in that incident for a penalty but one to watch if the grappling continues.

[9 December 2023 18:12 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 42 minutes

That chacne was very much against the run of play, though. Oleksandr Zinchenko’s raking pass is collected by Gabriel Jesus, who shoots sharply. Emiliano Martinez palms it behind.

[9 December 2023 18:11 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 40 minutes

Big chance for Ollie Watkins! The flag is hoisted but I fancy William Saliba was playing the striker on, meaning Watkins must rue his inability to beat David Raya as the Spanish goalkeeper closes the space. Watkins tried to go cute and slot it through the goalkeeper, but couldn’t force it past him.

[9 December 2023 18:10 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 38 minutes

Top stop! Superb play from Arsenal, finding top gear. Martin Odegaard is teed up on the edge of the box and jinks on to his left foot, looking to find the bottom corner. Martinez reads his intentions, though, and gets down sharply to his right, both saving and clutching to ensure the visitors can’t capitalise on any potential follow-up.

Mikel Arteta furiously scribbles some notes in his book.

[9 December 2023 18:07 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 36 minutes

Cleared off the line! Vital defensive work from Diego Carlos, helping out his goalkeeper after Emiliano Martinez had rashly exited his goal to try and get to a bouncing ball. Gabriel Martinelli beat him to it and rather deftly directed it over the sliding World Cup winner, but a retreating Carlos was back promptly to hook the ball away.

Martinelli might just have been offside on review - but the flag did not go up.

[9 December 2023 18:04 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 33 minutes

Just wide! Ben White and Saka work the ball inwards to Martin Odegaard, who strokes his shot to the near post with Martinez unsighted. Not quite accurate enough - the side netting is ruffled.

(Getty Images)

[9 December 2023 18:03 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 31 minutes

Better from Arsenal, a bit more zip to their play. Bukayo Saka does manage to create a clearer route to goal and sends the ball on its way, but there’s too much curl and too little oomph to provide too much bother for a keeper of Emiliano Martinez’s shot-stopping prowess.

Still, a first shot on target for the visitors.

[9 December 2023 18:00 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 30 minutes

Gabriel Martinelli is offered an opportunity to drive at Ezri Konsa in a one v one situation, but his touch is too heavy and Konsa gets a firm foot in.