Nicolo Zaniolo’s spectacular late goal gave Aston Villa a vital point against Sheffield United in a thrilling Premier League match at Villa Park, but Unai Emery’s team was unable to overtake Arsenal for first place.

Nicolo Zaniolo’s late equaliser salvaged a point for Aston Villa in a dramatic Premier League encounter against Sheffield United at Villa Park, Birmingham, on 22 December 2023.Zaniolo’s first Premier League goal, a header in the 97th minute, prevented what looked like a certain win for Sheffield United, who are currently 19th in the league with nine points.Aston Villa, who are now level on 39 points with Arsenal, missed a golden opportunity to become the league leaders, even if only for 24 hours.Arsenal, set to play against Liverpool will undoubtedly use this outcome as an opportunity to solidify their leadership position on Saturday.most recent Arsenal injury updates and freshDuring the game, Aston Villa faced difficulties against the five-man defense that Sheffield United’s coach Chris Wilder had set up. After a spectacular strike by 22-year-old Cameron Archer in the 87th minute appeared to have sealed a surprise victory for the visitors, Wilder’s strategy almost paid off.Early on, possession was dominated by Aston Villa. They had trouble breaking through Sheffield’s strong defensive line, though.Villa improved their performance in the second half, and in the 59th minute, Leon Bailey’s goal was overturned because of a sloppy.With Villa fielding two center-forwards, Unai Emery’s tactical substitutions of Moreno and Duran for Digne and Diaby in the 74th minute suggested a more aggressive stance.But this change in tactics left them vulnerable at the back, as Sheffield United looked more dangerous up front and kept their calmness in defense.When Zaniolo took Bailey’s place in the 81st minute, he immediately had an effect. But it was Sheffield’s Archer, who scored a goal just six minutes after Zaniolo’s introduction, who made the first headlines.With help from Hamer, Archer scored a fantastic counterattacking goal that appeared to put Sheffield ahead. The fourth official’s announcement of nine minutes of additional time, however, changed the course of the game and gave Villa new hope.Zaniolo’s header from a Douglas Luiz corner provided a thrilling finish.