Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United – Aston Villa remain in the relegation zone after a goalless draw with Champions League chasing Sheffield United after the Blades had a bizarre first half goal ruled out with goal line technology not working as football returned for the first time in 100 days.
First half:
As soon as the whistle blew to begin the match, every single player and official took the knee in respect of the Black Life Matters campaign in a powerful moment as football players united against racism.
The hosts had the better of the early minutes of the game with the first and best opportunity falling to Conor Hourihane as the Irish international saw his shot saved by goalkeeper Dean Henderson to keep the scores at 0-0 early on.
Despite Aston Villa having the better of the majority of the first half, the visitors should have been in front in the 42ndminute after Oliver Norwood’s free kick looked to be certainly carried over the line by Villa keeper Orjan Nyland however the referee had no signal from his watch to give the goal as Sheffield United players were furious and had every right to be.
Second half:
Aston Villa continued to be on top in the second half and they came close to taking the lead when Anwar El Ghazi’s low cross was very nearly tapped home by striker Keinan Davies who just couldn’t stretch enough to tap the ball in to the net.
John McGinn who was making his first Premier League appearance since December forced goalkeeper Dean Henderson in to another fine save when his left footed shot from just outside the box was well saved by the Sheffield United goalkeeper who was enjoying another fine day between the sticks for the Blades.
Full time.
Man of the match:
Dean Henderson – The on loan Manchester United goalkeeper is enjoying a fantastic season for Sheffield United and this performance was no different with Henderson making some very good saves to earn Sheffield United a point and grabbing another clean sheet.
Fascinating facts:
This was only Aston Villa’s second 0-0 draw of the season at Villa Park with the other being in September against West Ham United.
This is the first time Villa have failed to score at home in the Premier League in 11 matches a run which stretches back to September.
Sheffield United have only lost two away games all season which have come against the top two Premier League sides Liverpool and Manchester City.
Sheffield United have now kept 11 clean sheets this season which is the joint second most in the Premier League.
This was the first time Sheffield United have ever taken a point at Villa Park in the Premier League era after losing on their last three previous visits in the top flight.
Talking points:
Both sides disappointed with draw – A draw here doesn’t really suit either side as Sheffield United could do with the points to break in to a Champions League place and Aston Villa could certainly do with them to avoid relegation.
Keinan Davies looked lively – With Brazilian striker Wesley still injured and January signing Mbwana Samatta not looking clinical, this lively performance from Keinan Davies seemed good news for Villa as the striker was lively all game being a handful for the Sheffield United defence.
Dean Henderson excellent again – Dean Henderson would be a great shout for goalkeeper of the season this year and he once again proved why with a fine display for the Blades making many good saves, will Henderson soon be England’s number one keeper?
Goal line technology faulty for the first time – Goal line technology has been pretty much flawless since it was introduced back in the 2013/2014 Premier League season but today that was certainly not the case with Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland blatantly carrying the ball over the line and the goal bafflingly was not given. What if this decision costs the Blades Champions League football?
No use of VAR – VAR has been a talking point in many games this season but in this particular game it was barely used if at all, could VAR have overturned the goal line decision and awarded Sheffield United the goal?
Will no fans be a problem for clubs? Of course as we are all aware football fans are not allowed back in stadiums for the time being due to the Coronavirus pandemic, how much of an effect on teams will this have near the bottom of the table that rely on atmospheres? By the looks of today, the effect could be a fair bit of an effect.
Sam’s match reports 