In Friday’s match of the 18th Premier League matchday, Aston Villa had a great chance to jump to the top of the table, at least overnight. However, Villa were held to a 1-1 draw by bottom-of-the-table Sheffield Wednesday
Aston Villa, the surprise team of this year’s Premier League season, went into the game against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield Wednesday with the chance to jump to the top of the Premier League table, at least overnight.
In line with their position in the table, the role of favorites was clear and Villa immediately set out to justify it. Watkins rose to head home a cross in the 10th minute, but was pushed away by Souza before he could finish. Much to the annoyance of the home side, referee Anthony Taylor did not blow his whistle (10th minute). Nevertheless, Aston Villa remained in contention and a short time later Bailey had the opportunity to take the lead, but the former Leverkusen man was only second best in a duel with Sheffield goalkeeper Foderingham (17′).
Aston Villa continued to dominate the ensuing period, with Sheffield failing to make an impact at times and concentrating purely on defending. However, the cellar dwellers stood firm and hardly allowed any opportunities. It was only in the second half that the home side broke the spell – at least supposedly. Bailey had scored after Watkins’ assist, but because Ramsey had obstructed Foderingham at the previous corner, the VAR conceded the opening goal again (59′).
Zaniolo counters Archer
Aston Villa managed little until the final stages, when the visitors suddenly came into their own. First, Villa central defender Konsa deflected the ball just wide of his own goal (82′), then the ball suddenly found its way into the net: After Hamer’s preparatory work, Archer scored against his former club to turn the game completely on its head (87′).
But it wasn’t over yet, as the home side fought back against the threat of a home defeat. And two minutes before the end of nine minutes of stoppage time, they were rewarded for their efforts. Zaniolo leapt higher than Foderingham in an aerial challenge and nodded into the vacated goal – 1:1 (90. +7). And so it remained, after 15 league home wins in a row over the course of the season, Aston Villa had to settle for another draw in front of their own fans and also missed out on a move to the top of the table.
Villa are back in action on Tuesday, when they face Manchester United away from home at 9pm. Sheffield will also face Luton Town on Tuesday (4 p.m.) in a clash of promoted teams
