Summary

  • Zaniolo scores 98th-minute equaliser to earn Aston Villa draw with Sheff Utd

  • Villa miss chance to go top of table despite late goal

  • Villa were bidding to reach summit for first time since August 2011

  • Sheff Utd move off bottom with point but still five points from safety

Live Reporting

Joe Rindl

  1. HT: Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United

    Good point Bill, I think 99% of Sheffield United fans would be happy with a point away at Villa Park.

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    What do people expect Sheffield UTD to do here. Play expansive football and get turned over. They're fighting for their PL lives so give them some credit that Villa haven't opened them up yet.

    Bill, Liverpool

  3. HALF-TIME

    Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United

    Sheffield United, who have the Premier League's worst defensive record, are holding title-chasers Aston Villa at half-time.

    Remember, Villa will go top for the first time since 2011 with a win.

  4. Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United

    Thirty seconds to go until the break. John McGinn launches a long ball forward to Ollie Watkins but United keeper Wes Foderingham is quick to come off his line and intercept.

  5. INJURY TIME

    Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United

    Two minutes added on.

  6. Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United

    Emma Smith
    BBC Sport at Villa Park

    Out of possession, Sheffield United are playing 5-4-1 with a very flat back five.

    Pretty it ain't, but thus far it has been effective.

  7. Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United

    You're not missing any meaningful action by the way. Aston Villa are playing keep-ball as their midfielders try to plot a new course of action to break Sheffield United down. I think we're going to see Plan B quite soon.

  8. Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United

    Oh it's a given Rob. Cameron Archer in second-half stoppage time.

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    I've followed football long enough to know that there's a real chance that after beating City and Arsenal, that Villa will now fail to beat Sheffield United.

    Rob, Aberdeen

  10. Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United

    Emma Smith
    BBC Sport at Villa Park

    There's a bit of a nervous murmur around Villa Park, the hosts have not made the most of their dominance and the clear chances we saw earlier have dried up.

    The Sheffield United fans meanwhile are in great voice. No pressure on their side tonight, and they are enjoying their pre-Christmas trip to Birmingham so far.

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    I know getting beaten heavily is no fun, but is this really any better? What's the point in promotion if you're not even going to have a go at winning football matches? Deserve to go down.

    Tim

  12. 'Trying to flood the middle'

    Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United

    Jamie Carragher
    Former Liverpool defender on Sky Sports

    It was a good plan to go to five at the back for Sheffield United with those three central defenders.

    They're trying to flood the middle of the pitch.

    Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins battling for the ballGetty Images

  13. Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United

    Villa are being patient, waiting for Sheffield United to blink. They're seeing plenty of joy down the right but some excellent defending from Andre Brooks ends their latest attack.

  14. Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United

    I see your point Anon, but it's a hard argument on the same day Manchester City have passed their way to World Champions status.

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    This possession obsessed football isn't all it's cracked up to be. Villa have had over 80% possession and yet have only managed one shot on target.

    Anon

  16. Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United

    Rare attack for the visitors, but Villa easily clear Jayden Bogle's cutback.

  17. Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United

    Unai Emery's side continue to pass the ball on the edge of the box.

    And then, boom, Ollie Watkins flicks the switch and feeds Moussa Diaby. The Frenchman beats the first defender but can't chop beyond the second and Sheffield United clear away.

  18. Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United

    Emma Smith
    BBC Sport at Villa Park

    A stat just flashed up on the big screen - Villa have had 78% possession.

    Nothing to show for it yet.

  19. Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United

    Welcome to a title chase Chris. Villa haven't had this many teams sit off then since they were in the play-offs.

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    Villa are so much better than Sheffield Utd that a couple of ridiculous VAR decisions shouldn’t be critical. However a goal soon would settle nerves. We should win by a hat full but the longer it stays goalless...

    Chris