After the Manchester Derby treated us to a nine-goal bonanza, it was always going to be tough for the battle between the Premier League’s 13th and 14th-placed teams to match that same level of excitement.
However, while the quality and goals paled in comparison to Sunday’s earlier clash, there’s no denying that the 0-0 draw between Leeds United and Aston Villa at Elland Road was a thoroughly entertaining encounter. With 18 fouls and four yellow cards in the first half alone, this game felt like a real throwback from the get-go.
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The second-half doubled down on a fiery first 45 minutes. Luis Sinisterra, who had been hoping to become only the second player in the home side’s history to score in his first four starts, was sent off just three minutes in for a second bookable offence. Villa had their best chance of the game so far following the dismissal, with Philippe Coutinho’s acrobatic effort from a Leon Bailey's cross smashing the woodwork. Ollie Watkins then put the rebound wide.
What a goal that would have been from Coutinho! The post denies him ❌
In a match of exceptionally few chances, it was the visitors again who came close again in the 72nd minute. An Emiliano Buendia curling effort from distance had Illan Meslier well-beaten, but found itself just wide. Villa continued to push for an opener, this time Coutinho’s effort couldn’t find its target.
Despite being a man short, Leeds showed danger when they registered their first shot on target through Patrick Bamford, whose shot at a tight angle was fired straight at the hands of Emiliano Martinez. There were shouts from the home fans for a penalty when the Argentine goalkeeper’s save was superbly cleared by Ezri Konsa before Brensen Aaronson could get a touch, but despite protests from Jesse Marsch in the stands, serving a one-match he earned following Leeds’ 5-2 defeat to Brentford last time out, it was a clean tackle.
The hosts nearly snatched the game in added time, with John McGinn forced to make a last-ditch block to prevent Mateusz Klich.
When all was said and done, there were a total of 35 fouls committed, five yellow cards given and a red.
The draw means that Leeds move up to 12th while Villa remain in 14th, a point behind their opponents with eight.
Meanwhile, the injury problems are beginning to pile up for Villa boss Steven Gerrard as Ludwig Augustinsson, who made his debut today, became the latest player headed for the treatment table, joining an already extensive list of Diego Carlos, Boubacar Kamara, Matty Cash and Lucas Digne.
Next up, Leeds travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace while Aston Villa host Nottingham Forest the following day.
