Aston Villa's quest for a 13th win in 14 Premier League games was halted on Tuesday night as they played out a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Unai Emery's side had the better of the chances and saw two strong penalty appeals waved away in a frustrating encounter in South London.
Controversy and Chances Define First Half
The visitors started brightly, controlling possession in the opening quarter of an hour. Their first major talking point arrived when John McGinn was denied a penalty after Tyreik Mitchell blocked the Scot's touch with a hand that was away from his body, but referee Andy Madley saw no infringement.
Palace created the clearest early opportunity when Adam Wharton's pass sent Brennan Johnson through, only for Emi Martinez to tip the forward's hesitant effort over the bar. Martinez's opposite number, Dean Henderson, then matched that save, rushing out to smother a chance for Ollie Watkins after a fine through ball from Youri Tielemans.
Villa's penalty appeals were renewed late in the half when Matty Cash's driven effort struck Mitchell's arm, but again, both the on-field referee and VAR official Michael Oliver deemed it not punishable.
Martinez Injury and Second-Half Stalemate
Villa's task was complicated at half-time when first-choice goalkeeper Emi Martinez was forced off injured, replaced by summer signing Marco Bizot for his ninth appearance of the campaign. The second period became a tighter affair, with clear chances at a premium for both sides.
Palace threatened in the 66th minute when Bizot parried Yeremy Pino's shot to Justin Devenny, but Lucas Digne produced a superb last-ditch tackle to prevent a certain goal. Soon after, Boubacar Kamara flung himself into a crucial block to stop Marc Guehi from scoring after a goalmouth scramble.
Villa came closest to a winner in the 84th minute. Matty Cash delivered an excellent cross from a set-piece, but Ollie Watkins' powerful header struck the base of the post, leaving the scores level.
John Townley's Aston Villa Player Ratings
Emi Martinez: 6. Made a key save from Johnson before his injury-enforced substitution at half-time.
Matty Cash: 8. Solid defensively and provided the cross for Watkins' late chance. Involved in a penalty shout.
Ezri Konsa: 7. Defended robustly against Jean-Philippe Mateta and was composed in possession.
Victor Lindelof: 7. Steady performance at left centre-back, making an important headed block in the second half.
Lucas Digne: 8. His fantastic recovery challenge denied Devenny a clear goal. A crucial intervention.
Boubacar Kamara: 7. Protected the defence effectively and distributed the ball well before being substituted late on.
Youri Tielemans: 7. Created Villa's best first-half chance for Watkins with an incisive pass.
Morgan Rogers: 6. Worked hard on the left flank but his final ball was occasionally lacking.
John McGinn: 7. Energetic and unlucky not to win a first-half penalty. Provided good support in attack.
Jadon Sancho: 5. A quiet evening on his second league start. Failed to make a significant impact.
Ollie Watkins: 6. Worked tirelessly and was denied by Henderson before hitting the post with his late header.
Substitutes: Marco Bizot (6), Emi Buendia (6). Ian Maatsen, Donyell Malen and Lamare Bogarde were introduced too late to earn a rating.
The result leaves Villa's remarkable recent run slightly checked, but they demonstrated resilience, especially after losing their goalkeeper. The debate over the two uncalled handballs will linger, but Emery's side must now regroup for their next Premier League challenge.
