Mikel Arteta has backed his Arsenal side to mount a strong response after their Premier League title charge suffered a dramatic setback at Villa Park on Saturday. A last-gasp winner from Aston Villa's Emiliano Buendia inflicted a first league defeat on the Gunners since August, ending their impressive 11-game unbeaten streak.
Late Drama Stuns League Leaders
The match, played on Saturday 06 December 2025, looked to be heading for a draw after Leandro Trossard's effort cancelled out Matty Cash's first-half opener for the hosts. However, deep into added time, Emiliano Buendia struck to secure a memorable 2-1 victory for Unai Emery's resurgent Villa side. The result provided a significant boost to Manchester City, who had the opportunity to close the gap at the top to just two points with a win over Sunderland in the day's 3pm kick-offs.
Arteta's Defiant Message After Setback
Speaking after the final whistle, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta remained defiant, insisting his squad would learn from the experience and bounce back. He pointed to the intense competition across the league as a reason for perspective.
"That is the league," Arteta stated. "You go to Old Trafford, you go to St James' Park, you go to Chelsea, you come here. The result could have been different, but the reality is not. We went 18 games unbeaten in all competitions and we are still there, close to each other."
He added a clear message for any doubters: "People who think at this moment we are going to be 10 points clear live in a different world. Now it is time to bounce back. We will learn from today and it will make us a better team."
Injury Blow Compounds Gunners' Misery
The North London club's disappointing day was compounded by a significant injury update. Arteta revealed that defender Cristhian Mosquera has suffered a worse-than-expected ankle injury and is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
"He is going to be out for weeks, unfortunately," the manager confirmed. "It is much more than we were expecting, so he is going to be out for weeks." This absence will test Arsenal's defensive depth as they navigate a busy festive fixture schedule.
Villa Emerge as Surprise Contenders
For Aston Villa, the victory marks a stunning turnaround in their season. After failing to win any of their opening five games and finding themselves in the relegation zone, Unai Emery's men have now won nine of their last ten matches to thrust themselves into the European conversation.
Despite the remarkable form, manager Emery played down any immediate talk of a title challenge, insisting his focus remains on maintaining balance and taking each game as it comes.
"I am not thinking about the title," the Spaniard said. "I know 38 matches is going to be very difficult; we are not contenders. Arsenal are favourites to win this title, of course. Now we must get balance and try to play each match, game by game."
The result sets up a fascinating next phase in the Premier League title race, with Arsenal under pressure to respond and the chasing pack, including both Manchester City and an in-form Aston Villa, sensing an opportunity.
