Premier League GW18 - Aston Villa vs Sheff Utd

Aston Villa vs Sheff Utd | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

This season, Aston Villa and Sheffield United, two teams with different goals, faced off in an exciting match at Villa Park. Villa wanted to maintain their strong home record and move up to the top of the Premier League, while Sheffield United—who had just hired new management—wanted to move up from the bottom of the table with a vital away win.

Aston Villa:

Villa will be looking to build on their incredible home run of form when they welcome Sheffield United. This is the longest winning streak in the Midlands club's league history—they have won their past 15 home Premier League games. In their previous 14 home league games against the recently promoted team, Unai Emery's team has gone undefeated (W8 D6). They have also enjoyed great success against their opponents today. Villa would take a momentary lead in the Premier League standings with a victory, as Liverpool and Arsenal are scheduled to play one other this next weekend.

Sheff Utd:

Sheffield United is hoping to win their first Premier League away game of the year as they travel to Villa Park. The Blades' return to the top division of England has not gone well; in their last six games (D1 L4), they have only managed one victory. With the recent appointment of Chris Wilder as manager, the Yorkshire team will be eager to see the seasoned leader turn things around. If they defeat Emery's team on the road, they might move up the league and into 18th place.

Starting XI:

ASTON VILLA (4-4-1-1):

Emiliano Martinez; Lucas Digne, Clement Lenglet, Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash; John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey, Leon Bailey; Moussa Diaby; Ollie Watkins.

ASTON VILLA SUBS: Diego Carlos, Alex Moreno, Calum Chambers, Nicolo Zaniolo, Jhon Duran, Leander Dendoncker, Filip Marschall, Tim Iroegbunam, Tommi O’Reilly.

SHEFFIELD UNITED (5-3-2):

Wes Foderingham; Yasser Larouci, Jack Robinson, Auston Trusty, George Baldock, Jayden Bogle; Oliver Norwood, Anis Ben Slimane, Vinicius Souza; Andre Brooks, Cameron Archer.

SHEFFIELD UNITED SUBS: Adam Davies, John Fleck, Gustavo Hamer, Max Lowe, James McAtee, Oliver McBurnie, Ben Osborn, Luke Thomas, Benie Traore.

Villa Park Stadium | Picture Credits: The Guardian

First Half: VAR Controversy and Frustration for Villa

Villa controlled possession in the first half but were unable to break through Sheffield United's defense. The talking points of the game were the VAR disputes. VAR inspections were conducted after two Villa players went down in the box, possibly resulting in a penalty. But both occasions, the referee waved play on, frustrating the Midlands team as they went into halftime at 0-0.

Villa had a 78.2% possession rate, but they were unable to turn that into easy scoring opportunities, scoring just 0.44 expected goals (xG). Sheffield United, who had not yet attempted a shot on goal, played solid defense, soaking up pressure and isolating Villa. To break the tie in the second half, the home team had to play more imaginatively.

Second Half: Late Drama and Disallowed Goals

Dramatic occurrences in the second half brought the game to life. Villa believed they had taken the lead in the 61st minute when Leon Bailey, with help from Ollie Watkins, finished the play. But VAR stepped in and disallowed the goal, claiming Ramsey had fouled Sheffield United's goalkeeper.

Sheffield United stunned Villa in the 87th minute when Cameron Archer was found in the box by Gustavo Hamer's deft pass. In front of his old team, Archer crashed the ball into the goal, surprising everyone by leading the Blades to a 1-0 lead.

Even as the game was coming to an end, Villa would not give up. In the ninety-first minute and seven seconds, Douglas Luiz crossed the ball after a play set up by Jacob Ramsey. Nicolo Zaniolo sprang above Wes Foderingham, the goalkeeper, and forcefully headed the ball into the goal, saving the hosts' late equalizer.

Drama at Villa Park

In a game full of late drama, Sheffield United and Aston Villa split the points. The match was complicated by VAR disputes, disallowed goals, and an emotional goal by Cameron Archer against his old team. Villa's streak of unbeaten home games maintained, but they were denied the opportunity to take a brief lead. Encouraged by the late goal, Sheffield United will want to improve on this outcome under their new boss. At Villa Park, the Premier League delivered another exciting match. Sheffield United welcomes Luton Town to Bramall Lane on Boxing Day, Aston Villa takes on Manchester United in a challenging match. Until we meet again, bye!

Both teams went into halftime at 0-0 | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Archer's goal gave Blades a 1-0 lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Zaniolo's late goal for Villa levelled the score | Picture Credits: Premier League Website