Arsenal had a late goal disallowed as they dropped two points in the Premier League title race after throwing away a two-goal lead at home to Aston Villa.

Kai Havertz thought he had found the winner with a minute left in normal time but the goal was disallowed after replays showed he handled Mikel Merino's shot.

The hosts had claimed a two-goal lead, with Gabriel Martinelli opening the scoring after taking advantage of some slack defending from Villa left-back Ian Maatsen to bundle home Leandro Trossard's cross.

The Belgian turned provider again for Arsenal's second, as Havertz netted his 13th goal of the season from the former Brighton winger's cross ten minutes after half-time.

But Villa staged a stunning comeback, halving the deficit through Youri Tielemans' header from Matty Cash's cross on the hour mark, and equalising eight minutes later with a volley by striker Ollie Watkins.

The result leaves Arsenal six points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League, having played a game more than Arne Slot's side.

Villa move into seventh, two points shy of fourth-placed Newcastle in the final Champions League slot.

William Saliba missed the draw in north London through injury and manager Mikel Arteta said he fears Arsenal could be without the France defender in the coming weeks.

"Tomorrow we will have more information, but am I worried? Yes, for sure," said Arteta.

"Especially with the numbers that we have in the squad and looking at our bench."