Leeds denied late, Stach shines, Nmecha sets example, Martinez shirt claimed amid Villa moments | OneFootball

Leeds United were denied a statement win at Aston Villa, pegged back on 88 minutes to draw. A point at Villa Park is no small return and, according to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, with winnable fixtures looming it can be treated as a bonus.

Anton Stach underlined his importance, everywhere and rifling a beauty that could be Leeds’ Goal of the Season. Karl Darlow stayed strong, a first-half double save the highlight, while Ethan Ampadu led impressively in midfield.

Gabriel Gudmundsson started despite illness and went off at half-time, hopefully with time to recover before facing Manchester City. As the teams left the field, Ampadu, Daniel Farke and goalkeeping coach Ed Wootten made their feelings clear to the officials, while Jaka Bijol warmed up intensely before an interval change.

Leon Bailey struggled, his exit cheered, and Villa improved when Jadon Sancho came on. For Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a loose first touch proved costly as chances slipped away.

Before and around kick-off there were lighter touches. A Leeds mascot returned a ball to smiling Joel Piroe, Lukas Nmecha fist-bumped a young Villa mascot, Sean Longstaff stepped across a Lucas Perri pass, and Sebastiaan Bornauw pinged a ball at Daniel James.

Alex Cairns pinged a beauty and applauded as Darlow clawed it away. The kit men were chided for eating in the media lounge without accreditation, prompting debate among Villa staff, and at full-time Wootten claimed Emi Martinez’s shirt, to the likely dismay of a fan with a Spanish plea sign.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk