Villa match report
Villa's 10th draw in 17 games was in all probability foreseen as a recently indomitable Sheffield United put the suppleness of Villa in the absence of the influential Gareth Barry through a stern examination last night showing their ‘never say die’ attitude once again.
After Stilian Petrov had given the visitors the lead with little over than a minute gone, the resurgence of the hosts proved to be a major facilitator in coming from the dead for the second home game running. A rousing onslaught after the break altered the perception of the game until a lapse in awareness gifted Martin O’Neill’s side an equaliser. And as both sides searched in vain for a morale-boosting victory, Stuart Taylor was found in inspired form, saving brilliantly from Rob Hulse and Stephen Quinn during a almighty scramble.
An absorbing match packed with incident exploded into life after only 76 seconds. Petrov struck a low drive past a despondent Paddy Kenny after Chris Sutton’s inadvertent blocked pass fell kindly to the Bulgarian for his first of the season. Both sides matched each other for purpose yet found chances at a real premium. Yet it was Villa who had numerous opportunities before the break. Sutton’s looping header struck the bar and Kenny produced a stunning save from Gary Cahill, subsequent to another point blank save from the inauspicious defender.
Harsh words must have been said at half-time as an uninspiring first half proved to be a huge dissimilarity.
A dominant start was rewarded only four minutes into the second half as young Quinn volleyed home an inefficiently cleared throw from Rob Kozluk. As the pressure heaped on Villa’s uneasy back four, the Blades seeked to take advantage and did so courtesy of Danny Webber. A flick from Chris Morgan found Webber who flicked home from three yards. A tidy finish sparking scenes of jubilation in Bramall Lane; however the jubilance soon became deflation, as Villa instantaneously hit back through Milan Baros, he took full advantage of inadequate defending to smash home the equaliser.
Hulse tested Taylor’s credentials and the former Arsenal keeper excelled himself late on. He made three immense saves, from Hulse twice and substitute Christian Nade’s follow up before stopping a Quinn strike as the home side pushed for the winner intently.
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