Aston Villa loses chance to lead after draw with late goals and VAR controversy

Although Villa dominated, Cameron Archer put Sheffield United ahead with three minutes remaining, until Nicolò Zaniolo equalized in the seventh minute of injury time. A win would have put Aston Villa above Liverpool and Arsenal, sitting top of the table at this stage of the season for the first time since 1998.

However, the point puts them in second position, tied with leaders Arsenal and one unit ahead of Liverpool, who host Arsenal at Anfield this Saturday. Villa was superior throughout the match in front of a noisy local fan who would regret the decisions made by the video arbitration against them.

Two penalty calls were rejected early in the first half and Leon Bailey's goal was ruled out in the 59th minute when a review called for a foul on Sheffield goalkeeper Wes Foderingham. Referee Anthony Taylor reviewed another possible penalty for a handball with 17 minutes remaining, but again the foul that would have given the hosts the 11-yard shot was ruled out.

When the bolt broke it was on the other side. Former Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer appeared with a great finish after a good clearance worked by Gustavo Hamer from the left. But just when Villa seemed out of balance they got the goal their game deserved. Brazilian Douglas Luiz sent a cross into the area and Zaniolo beat Foderingham to send the ball home with the goal open.

The bottom of the general classification

The point was vital for Sheffield, who left the last place in the table, barely beating Burnley by one point. For those led by Spaniard Unai Emery, the tie ended a streak of 15 home wins.