Arsenal lost 1-2 to Aston Villa: their makeshift defense was clearly exposed.

Emiliano Buendia's late goal sealed a 1-2 defeat for Arsenal at Aston Villa, ending their unbeaten Premier League run that had lasted since August. The gap between the leaders and the chasing pack is now just two points, with Manchester City breathing down their necks.

The decisive moment: Buendia and the final punch.

The match reached its climax in the final minutes when Buendia appeared at the right moment to secure the victory for Aston Villa. This was a moment that struck a nerve with Arsenal, turning what seemed like a win away from home into a slip-up at a time when pressure was mounting.

A makeshift defense with visible cracks.

Without their key central defensive duo Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, Arsenal's defense lost its familiar foundation. Mikel Arteta was forced to pair Piero Hincapie with Jurrien Timber, with Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori manning the flanks. On paper, these are quality players, but on the pitch, their cohesion was inconsistent.

The mistake that led to the first goal and the moments of indecisiveness from the Ecuadorian players showed that Arsenal's defensive organization was severely affected by the loss of their two key players. The connections, from covering to deciding to press back, were no longer as synchronized as before.

The left wing is out of sync, and their set-piece weapons are diminishing.

The paradox is evident on the left flank: Riccardo Calafiori – a player who matured as a center-back – becomes disoriented when deployed on the wing with purely defensive requirements, from one-on-one situations to controlling space on the flanks. Without Gabriel and Saliba, Arsenal also lose their impact in set pieces and corners – something that used to be a major strength in their game-winning tactics.

The cutting-edge problem: Merino instead of Gyokeres

Up front, Arteta's headache hasn't eased. The decision to deploy Mikel Merino as the furthest forward instead of the much-anticipated signing Viktor Gyokeres reflects a shaken confidence in the attack. Gyokeres is still struggling to regain his fitness and touch, while Merino – primarily a midfielder – has failed to provide genuine sharpness in the penalty area.

The misplaced pass that squandered Bukayo Saka's chance is a prime example: a lack of precision in the final decision, a lack of a well-honed attacking move. Arsenal controlled the build-up play, but without a true attacking threat, their ability to finish the game remains questionable.

Psychological ghosts and the price of expectations

It's been over 20 years since the Emirates Stadium team last lifted the silver trophy, and that feeling of uncertainty in crucial moments has returned. December has only just begun, but the pressure of expectations – from the stands and the technical area – is already weighing heavily on the players' shoulders. A slip-up at Villa Park, therefore, would not only mean a defeat, but also a test of character.

Impact on the race

While Arsenal are struggling to patch up their squad, Manchester City are quietly accelerating with a resounding victory over Sunderland. With the gap now just two points, any mistake becomes costly. If the personnel gaps – from center-back to striker – aren't addressed soon, the scenario of faltering at the end of previous seasons could easily repeat itself.

Tactical highlights

• The defensive system lost its foundation without Gabriel and Saliba: there was a lack of cover and decisiveness in the penalty area.
• Calafiori was passive when playing purely defensively on the left wing; the threat from set pieces was reduced.
• The decision to use Merino as the first-line destination reflects concerns about the number 9 spot, as Gyokeres is not yet in his best form.

The defeat at Villa Park ended a period of stability since August and opened a phase that demands an immediate response from Arsenal. Arteta needs a solution for both the structure and the mentality before pressure from the chasing pack turns mistakes into a trend.