Sunday’s result was a hammer blow to Arsenal’s chances of usurping Manchester City’s dominance at the top of the Premier League table as The Gunners suffered a surprise 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa.

Described as a tactical masterclass from Unai Emery by Alan Shearer, Villa were more than a match for Mikel Arteta’s side. Winning the reverse fixture at Villa Park, Emery’s men did the double over his old side.

Arsenal had chances and had Emi Martinez – another former Arsenal man – to thank for a wonderful stop to deny Leandro Trossard. The Gunners huffed and puffed, but in truth, Villa deserved to win the game.

Before the deadlock was broken, Villa hit the woodwork through Ollie Watkins after a Gabriel mistake – and then a gorgeous effort from Youri Tielemans hit the bar and then the post. Villa deserved to win.

Aston Villa deserved to beat Arsenal on Sunday evening

Eventually, Leon Bailey continued his fine form by tapping home a loose ball – before Watkins did find the back of the net with a wonderful chip. Villa returned to fourth, while Arsenal go two behind Man City.

Following Bailey’s goal and then certainly after Watkins found the back of the net, Arsenal fans were seen leaving in their drones. The Emirates crowd often comes under criticism for it’s lack of atmosphere.

Unless it is a night like a draw with Bayern Munich, or a big Premier League tie, the noise at Arsenal is somewhat questionable given the 60,000 capacity. Ian Wright was not impressed with the Arsenal fans.

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What Alan Shearer text Ian Wright, during Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat

Speaking on The Kelly And Wright Show, Wright commented on seeing so many Arsenal fans leave in the midst of a title race. He also shared what Alan Shearer text him, after being prompted by Kelly Cates.

Kelly Cates asked: “What did Alan Shearer text you?” Wright replied: “He text me saying, has there been a fire drill? He was in top form as Newcastle won. He’s right, that’s when the players needed the fans most.”

At a time where Arsenal need as much support as they can possibly get, when the going gets tough and the pressure ramps up with the table in the back of everyone’s mind – the Arsenal players need the fans.

Taking on the juggernaut that is Manchester City is one of the hardest things in football right now, and Arsenal need to rely on every last source of energy they can generate. The home crowd is key to that.

The atmosphere and Arsenal crowd has been questioned over the years and this is just the latest example of supporters leaving early. Arsenal face Bayern and Wolves, before their next home game vs Chelsea.