Aston Villa clinched a sensational last-minute win against Arsenal on Saturday in a fiercely contested Premier League encounter, despite the visitors dominating large parts of the second half.

The result leaves Villa just three points behind second place as their impressive season continues.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the defeat as “very painful” during his interview with BBC Match of the Day, expressing frustration after what he felt was a strong showing from his team.

“It was an open game, congratulations to Villa they are a really good side,” Arteta said. “We conceded a big chance in the first half with Ollie Watkins’ goal. We had some dominance in the second half and I had the feeling we were going to win the game, so to lose it in the manner we did is painful.

“Eighteen games unbeaten, you lose a game and that’s what it is… We had a big chance when Declan Rice put the ball across for Noni Madueke, they win a throw-in at the other end and get the goal — that’s football and the quality of this league.”

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery praised his side’s resilience and mentality after securing another vital win at Villa Park. Speaking to TNT Sports, he said:

“So happy. We finished this week really playing like we need to – competing, demanding ourselves, adapting to the opponent and playing with personality. Villa Park is special, the supporters transmit the energy to us.

“We are going to focus game by game… Europa League we want to play well, but the Premier League is our first priority. We have to respond like we did today.”

The victory further boosts Villa’s formidable home record and keeps them firmly in the mix at the top end of the table. Arsenal, meanwhile, will aim to regroup quickly as they continue their push in the title race.