IN NIC OF TIME

Supersub Zaniolo strikes late to spare Villa blushes

- lan Baker

EMERY CHRISTMAS for Aston Villa in the end – even if they were denied a festive No.1. 

Substitute Nicolo Zaniolo headed a dramatic injury-time equaliser to deny Sheffield United a shock away win.

Former Villa youngster Cameron Archer appeared to be giving the Blades victory when he slotted in Gustavo Hamer’s cross on 87 minutes.

But even though their run of 15 home league wins on the trot ended, Villa manager Unai Emery could smile at the end.

He saw a catalogue of VAR decisions go against him, along with a spirited defence, as Villa failed in their mission to go top of the league for the first time outside August in 25 years.

Lucas Digne saw an early free-kick go over before the hosts were denied penalties on three occasions by VAR checks, with the most likely being an apparent push by Vini Souza on Ollie Watkins.