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Gunners slip nine points behind leaders in title chase

15/11/2008

Arsenal have slipped nine points behind Liverpool in the chase for the title following a 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa.

Martin O'Neill's side are now level on points with the Gunners but remain just behind on goal difference.

A Gael Clichy own-goal gave Villa the lead midway through the second half before Gabriel Agbonlahor put the exclamation point on the win.

Villa now pose a serious threat to Arsenal in the league and their usual Champions League place could be in jeopardy however well their talented youth side play in the Carling Cup.

Both sides went close to scoring in the first half, though Villa should have taken advantage of a penalty given away by Theo Walcott.

The England winger felled Ashley Young in the box after 20 minutes but Manuel Almunia was able to keep the match scoreless with a fine save from Young's spot kick.

Earlier Brad Friedel had kept his side in it when he saved Cesc Fabregas' goal-bound effort but it was Almunia who was the busier of the two keepers.

He had to save another shot from Young before half time as Villa continued to press.

Arsene Wenger introduced Emanuel Adebayor at half time and that gave the Gunners more of a cutting edge, although the game continued to be open.

Villa took advantage of that midway through the second half when Young escaped down the right flank. Agbonlahor and Clichy both challenged for the cross but all the Arsenal man could do was put it past his own goalkeeper.

Arsenal responded well and were unlucky not to draw level a minute later when Adebayor saw his header bounce back off the foot of the post.

As the Gunners pushed for an equaliser they became increasingly vulnerable to the counter-attack and Agbonlahor was able to use his pace to get beyond the defence for Villa's second.

He latched on to a long ball and swept the ball past Almunia with ten minutes remaining.

Villa remain fifth but are within touching distance of Arsenal and Manchester United.