Aston Villa missed out on the Premier League’s top spot ahead of Christmas after being held to a dramatic 1-1 draw by Sheffield United.
Unai Emery’s side rescued a last-gasp point through Nicolo Zaniolo’s brave header, the midfielder having beaten goalkeeper Wes Foderingham to a dangerous cross.
But for a substantial period of stoppage time, they were set for a shock defeat.
Cameron Archer, who progressed through the academy at Villa Park before leaving earlier this year, capitalised on Gustavo Hamer’s superb pullback to touch home.
Here, Mail Sport‘s AADAM PATEL rates the hosts…
Nicolo Zaniolo’s header rescued a point for Aston Villa at the death against Sheffield United
The midfielder, brought on in the second half, beat Wes Foderingham to a dangerous cross
Villa (4-4-1-1)
Emiliano Martinez (5)
Could well have had the evening off but made an important save in the 78th minute from Oliver Norwood’s strike from outside the box. Though could do nothing to stop former Villa man Cameron Archer from scoring the opener.
Matty Cash (6)
Alongside the rest of the back four, barely put a foot wrong all game but failed to show enough threat attackingly to break through the Blades backline and was made to pay, with Archer’s goal coming from down his flank.
Picked up a booking in added time for stopping a Sheffield United counter and will miss the visit to Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
Ezri Konsa (6)
Should have given Villa the lead from John McGinn’s corner when he ran clear from his man in the first half but headed over.
Fortunate not to divert Max Lowe’s cross into his own net late in the second half and was perhaps guilty for not picking up Archer before his goal.
Ezri Konsa should have given Villa the lead and was fortunate not to divert into his own net
Clement Lenglet (6)
The most touches all game, with almost half of those coming in the opposition half. No surprise given Villa’s high backline but should have done better to stop Archer from having all the time in the world to score the winner.
Lucas Digne (5)
Not used enough on the evening and was replaced after 73 minutes for Alex Moreno as Villa searched for a goal.
Lucas Digne was not utilised enough by Villa and found himself taken off in the second half
Leon Bailey (6)
Great energy throughout and perhaps unfortunate to have his goal chalked off. Was booked early in the second half for breaking a Sheffield United counter. Taken off in the 81st minute for Nicolo Zaniolo, who got the equaliser.
Jacob Ramsey (6)
Like Bailey, plenty of energy but lacked that cutting edge in the final third. Poor judgement to foul Wes Foderingham for Villa’s goal that was disallowed after a VAR check.
Douglas Luiz (7)
Class throughout as expected and delivered the perfect cross in added time for Zaniolo’s header. One of four Villa players alongside the two centre backs and Matty Cash to have over 100 touches.
Douglas Luiz delivered a classy performance and delivered the perfect cross for the equaliser
John McGinn (6)
Decent display and constantly asked for the ball. Was put to the ground easily though by Gustavo Hamer for Archer’s goal.
Moussa Diaby (7)
Continues to impress. Showed his pace to make a great run early on but like his teammates, would have been disappointed not to test Foderingham more.
Replaced in the 74th minute by Jhon Duran as Villa opted for more physicality.
Moussa Diaby continues to impress and showed good pace to make an early run and shot
Ollie Watkins (6)
Just the 19 touches on a remarkably quiet night for the Villa forward. A huge missed opportunity to get his 50th Premier League goal for Villa but surely that is only a matter of time.
SUBS
Alex Moreno (6)
Brought on to offer more down the left flank. Showed signs to suggest that he perhaps should have started.
Jhon Duran (5)
Brought on as Villa looked to go more direct in their hunt for a goal. Lucky not to get a red card as he caught Jack Robinson’s face with his elbow.
Jhon Duran was lucky to avoid a red card after his elbow caught Jack Robinson in the face
Nicolo Zaniolo (7)
Crucial header to grab a point for Villa and what a time to get his first Premier League goal for Villa.
