Arsenal suffered a major blow to their Premier League title hopes as they were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The result may not be quite as devastating as their shock home defeat to Brighton that all but ended their title hopes last May, but Arsenal have once again handed the initiative to Manchester City after a stunning late collapse against Villa.

The Gunners would have returned to the top of the Premier League with victory and were even handed a boost before kick-off when Liverpool slumped to defeat against Crystal Palace.

But after being frustrated by Villa in the first half, Arsenal were outplayed by their visitors in the second period and finally fell behind in the 84th minute through Leon Bailey’s far-post finish.

The hosts were still reeling from that shock when Ollie Watkins scored a magnificent second – a goal that sucked the air out of the Emirates and strengthened Villa’s grip on fourth place.

EPL: Liverpool suffer another Anfield defeat to Crystal Palace

Arsenal’s first defeat in 12 league games leaves them in second place, two points behind City, while third-placed Liverpool are behind Arsenal on goal difference.

It also capped a perfect weekend for City, who thrashed Luton Town on Saturday and then watched their title rivals suffer what could be highly damaging defeats.

With just six games left, champions City are closing in on an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League crown.

Arsenal travel to Bayern Munich for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday, April 17. The first leg finished 2-2.

Their next Premier League fixture is at Wolves on Saturday, April 20.

Aston Villa, on the other hand, visit Lille for the second leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final on Thursday, April 1.

Villa then return to Premier League action at home to Bournemouth on Sunday, April 21.

The Star