Crystal Palace frustrate Villa in Premier League stalemate | OneFootball

Aston Villa missed the chance to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Palace, missing several key players, extended their winless run to six league games and remain without a home victory since early November. Brennan Johnson, making his home debut following his £35m move from Tottenham, had several opportunities to put the Eagles ahead, but his shots were either saved or lacked precision.

Villa, seeking their 10th win in 11 league matches, had their own chances. Ollie Watkins was denied by a combination of sharp saves from Dean Henderson and goal-line interventions from Maxence Lacroix, while Matty Cash’s deflected effort went wide.

In the closing stages, Villa pressed hard, with Victor Lindelöf hitting the post from a corner and Morgan Rogers firing over from close range, but were unable to break the deadlock.

Both sides had opportunities but could not convert, leaving Villa with a point that maintains their pursuit of Arsenal at the top, while Palace collected a valuable point in their fight to halt a run of poor results.

The draw leaves Villa five points behind Arsenal, while Palace remain 14th with 23 points from 21 matches.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

27':

Missed opportunity. Brennan Johnson from Crystal Palace attempted a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area but failed to find the target. The assist came from Yéremy Pino.

50':

Missed opportunity. Victor Lindelöf of Aston Villa attempted a header from the center of the box but sent it wide to the left. The assist came from John McGinn, who delivered a cross.

50':

Missed opportunity! Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa took a left-footed shot from inside the six-yard box, aiming for the left side of the goal, but it went just wide. The assist came from Victor Lindelöf.

56':

Missed opportunity. Will Hughes from Crystal Palace took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area.

86':

Missed opportunity. Ian Maatsen of Aston Villa took a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area following a corner, but it sailed over the goal.

86':

Opportunity wasted. Ian Maatsen from Aston Villa took a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, but it sailed over the goal following a corner kick.

89':

Missed opportunity! Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa took a left-footed shot from the center of the box, but it sailed over the goal. The assist came from Matty Cash, who delivered a cross.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match