Aston Villa 2-4 Arsenal: Comical Martinez own goal inspires Gunners to dramatic comeback win
Astro Arena
February 19, 2023 08:50 MYT
February 19, 2023 08:50 MYT
Arsenal's William Saliba, left, Arsenal's Jorginho, centre, and Gabriel Martinelli celebrate after scoring during the English Premier League soccer match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023. - AP Photo/Jon Super
Emiliano Martinez's late own goal proved the turning point as Arsenal came from behind twice to beat Aston Villa 4-2 and boost to their Premier League title hopes.
The Gunners, who were replaced at the summit after losing to Manchester City in midweek, looked to be heading to another underwhelming result at Villa Park before luck went their way in stoppage time.
Ollie Watkins' clinical finish put Villa in charge early on, and although Bukayo Saka soon equalised, the visitors trailed at the break thanks to Philippe Coutinho's sensationally worked team goal.
Oleksandr Zinchecko levelled again and that appeared to be as good as it would get for Arsenal, but Martinez inadvertently put into his own net late on and was then caught up the other end of the pitch as Gabriel Martinelli completed a dramatic turnaround.