Aston Villa failed to advance to the summit of the Premier League standings on Friday when struggling Sheffield United held a 1-1 draw at home. Manager Unai Emery deemed VAR “too much” following Nicolo Zaniolo’s late goal, which salvaged the draw.
The visitors began the match at the bottom of the Premier League standings, while Birmingham club Villa had won their previous 15 home games.
However, Villa Park’s home crowd was astonished when Villa Park transferred Cameron Archer to the Blades in preseason. Archer scored the game’s opening goal in the 87th minute with a close-range strike.
With a goal in stoppage time, substitute Zaniolo salvaged a point for Villa. The game was tied seven minutes in.
In order to reclaim the Premier League lead at this juncture for the first time since August 2011, Villa required a victory. Prior to that, the club had not held this position for 25 years.
Despite this, they fell behind league leaders Arsenal on goal differential, despite controlling the game’s possession and having more opportunities.
In the early stages of the second half, Leon Bailey had the ball in the net when the video assistant referee ruled it out. Three penalty claims from Villa were also rejected by VAR.
“I am extremely proud and delighted with the players,” Emery told the BBC.
It proved to be exceedingly challenging to maintain our winning streak. They mounted an outstanding defense.”
He further stated, “I consistently accept VAR technology.” However, I only believe it was too much today. Two or three reviews were not required during the initial half. And the objective, it was superfluous. We can typically embrace this objective.
“While we are disappointed with today’s outcome, we will accept it nonetheless.” “We must concentrate on our upcoming match against Manchester United; it will be phenomenal.”
Chris Wilder, manager of Sheffield United, remarked, “Given our greed and the manner in which they scored, I desired three points, but we would have settled for a point prior to the match.”
He further stated: “There’s plenty to work with with the players and this result gives me great hope.”
Friday marked Villa’s initial encounter with replay denials: Vini Souza pushed Ollie Watkins, and another penalty appeal was rejected by VAR after George Baldock obstructed Watkins’ header from the ensuing corner.
In the 58th minute, Villa appeared to have taken the lead when Watkins intercepted a pass between Jacob Ramsey and United as the latter attempted to clear a corner.
Bailey then converted the England forward’s cross, but the goal was annulled after Blades custodian Wes Foderingham was deemed to have obstructed Ramsey at the corner.
The visitors were granted a second VAR reprieve 15 minutes later when Baldock passed a handball review.
United scored with three minutes remaining in standard time.
Gustavo Hamer received the free-kick from Vini Souza, and the midfielder’s deft stroke eliminated John McGinn.
The substitute then returned the ball six yards for Archer to convert.
Foderingham saved Alex Moreno’s header, but Zaniolo headed in Douglas Luiz’s cross in stoppage time to equalize for Villa.