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 both sides…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nicolo Zaniolo (7)
Crucial header to grab a point for Villa and what a time to get his first Premier League goal for Villa.
Sheffield United (5-4-1)
Wes Foderingham (7)
Great save early on to deny Moussa Diaby and another one after the Blades went ahead to deny Moreno. Though may regret coming out to try and claim the ball before Zaniolo’s header.
Jayden Bogle (7)
Like all of the back five, superb discipline but picked up a second-half booking which rules him out of Tuesday’s crunch clash against Luton.
George Baldock (6)
Impressive with the rest of the Blades backline but very lucky that Leon Bailey’s goal was ruled out for an earlier foul after he lost the ball trying to play out from the back. Survived two other VAR checks for a penalty.
Jack Robinson (7)
Captain for the evening in the absence of Anel Ahmedhodzic. Solid performance which showed his Premier League quality.
Auston Trusty (7)
Lost his man early on as Konsa headed over from a Villa corner but played his part in a solid defensive display from the Blades. Booked after Villa’s equaliser for a minor altercation.
Yasser Larouci (7)
Solid display against the quality Diaby and defended admirably. Booked early on in the second half and made way shortly after for Max Lowe.
Vini Souza (7)
Impressive in midfield, comfortable with the ball and did a great job at shielding his defenders.
Oliver Norwood (7)
Formed a solid combination in the middle with Souza as they tried to nullify the impact of Jacob Ramsey and Douglas Luiz. One of five changes by Chris Wilder.
Anis Ben Slimane (7)
Nullified the impact of Lucas Digne down the left flank as he did his bit in a solid defensive effort all round. Substituted in the 76th minute for James McAtee.
Andre Brooks (7)
Didn’t see much of the ball but a mature display and did the job he was asked to do by the manager for just shy of an hour. Made way for Gustavo Hamer
Cameron Archer (8)
Very nearly pulled off the perfect smash-and-grab win with a goal against his former club. Wonderfully taken finish by the lifelong Villa fan.
SUBS
Max Lowe (7)
Came on for Larouci and was superb down the left flank.
James McAtee (7)
Brought on for Slimane with 15 minutes left and United looked more likely to threaten attackingly with him on the pitch.
Gustavo Harmer (7)
Replaced Brooks just before the hour mark and did brilliantly to sit John McGinn down and tee up Archer for his goal.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
