“Cost us 3-4 points in last couple of weeks”, “Fumbled big time” - Arsenal fans slam 23-year-old star after late 2-1 loss to Aston Villa

Arsenal fans are furious with Piero Hincapié, blaming the defender for their 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League. Many believe that the defender's decision-making led to the winner from Emiliano Buendia.

Mikel Arteta's side suffered their second defeat of the season, after Unai Emery's side stunned them to collect all three points at Villa Park. Matty Cash gave the home side the lead in the first half, before Leandro Trossard equalized just seven minutes after coming on at half-time.

Both sides pushed for the winner, but it was the home side who managed to get it in the final second of the game. Buendia scored after a pinball inside the box saw the ball fall to his feet, and his snapshot took the ball past David Raya, who did his best to get to the ball.

Arsenal fans were quick to point fingers at Hincapié for the loss and posted:

Connor Humm

@TikiTakaConnor

What on earth is Hincapie doing at the end there

Gunner

@Gunner495702721

Not only the end...worst performance for him this season Mustafi level of defending

cmbftbl

@cmbftbl

Hincapie what are you doing clear it

.

@Blahovic

Hincapie has cost us 3-4 points in the last couple weeks. These injuries are making this season so tough man.

Greatest in Class FC

@afc_N7k

Noni should've kept the ball alive, and Hincapie fumbled big time at the end. Still dunno how these guys didn't clear that lol

ً͏

@odqaard

Hincapie has been awful this whole game

Arteta spoke to the media after the loss and said (via Football London)

"We are extremely disappointed with the way we lost the game. Congratulations to Villa, they are a really good side. We had some unusual giveaways in the first half. Apart from the Watkins situaiton, they didn't have too much. We lose it with two individual giveaways.

Arsenal are three points clear of second-placed Aston Villa, but the lead could be cut to two points if Manchester City win against Sunderland.

Arsenal boss backed Aston Villa as Premier League rivals

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke about Aston Villa in his pre-match press conference and backed them as rivals for the Premier League title. He said that they are playing well and could challenge for the top if they keep collecting points, and said (via Metro):

"Well, if they continue where they are already, so if they continue what they’ve been doing, I think any club, any team in that position has chances for sure. For what they’ve been doing, the way they’ve been playing and winning matches, certainly it’s a team that is in great form and we know that."

"We know obviously the manager and the incredible job he’s done there as well, so we know the task tomorrow, but we always take it as an opportunity. Every time you win a game, obviously, you are a little bit closer to your objective, and it’s the only thing that we can do. We have to focus on performing, preparing really well for tomorrow, we know the kind of game that we’re going to play and be ready for it to fulfil our potential."

Arsenal have now dropped four points in their last three matches, following their draw at Chelsea last weekend.