Goalless Draw at Selhurst as Aston Villa Miss Chance to Move Into Second

Aston Villa remain third in the Premier League and level on points with Manchester City after a frustrating goalless draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Unai Emery’s side missed the opportunity to leapfrog the champions into second place, following City’s home draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.

Defensive resilience was the main talking point on the night. Both sides extended their impressive records at the back, but neither could find a breakthrough in a contest that ultimately lacked cutting edge in the final third.

A subdued first half produced few clear chances. Palace’s club-record signing Brennan Johnson went closest, but failed to convert the best opening of the half, as he continues his search for a first goal since his £35 million move.

The second half brought more intensity, with both teams pushing for a winner. Potential World Cup contenders such as Jordan Henderson, Marc Guéhi and Ezri Konsa were influential defensively, while Jaydee Canvot impressed in just his second Premier League start for the Eagles.

With the game evenly balanced both statistically and visually, a draw felt a fair outcome. It was also another fixture watched closely amid speculation linking both Unai Emery and Oliver Glasner to the vacant Manchester United job, with Glasner currently the bookmakers’ favourite.

Aston Villa started confidently, dominating possession in the opening quarter of an hour and showing signs of continuing their strong run of form. However, the first real chance fell to the hosts.

Adam Wharton, becoming the youngest Crystal Palace player to reach 50 Premier League appearances, produced excellent midfield work before slipping Brennan Johnson through on goal. The forward’s left-footed effort was well saved by Emiliano Martínez, denying Johnson a maiden goal on his Selhurst Park debut.

Villa’s best chances of the first half came through Ollie Watkins. His attempted dink was saved by Dean Henderson after a precise through ball from Youri Tielemans, while a second effort was blocked by the impressive Jaydee Canvot. With only one shot on target apiece, the half drifted to a goalless conclusion.

The second half began with a surprise change in goal for Villa, as Martínez was forced off injured and replaced by Marco Bizot. Emery’s side again started brightly, with early chances for Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, but neither could convert.

The match opened up after the hour mark. Palace came agonisingly close when Johnson’s lofted cross caused chaos in the six-yard box, but no Eagle could apply the finishing touch. The hosts then enjoyed a strong spell of pressure, delivering several dangerous low crosses that Jean-Philippe Mateta was unable to meet.

Villa threatened late on, most notably when a Victor Lindelöf header struck the post, but neither side could find the decisive moment. Fatigue from the congested festive schedule appeared to take its toll, and quality in front of goal ultimately proved lacking.

Defensively, Palace captain Marc Guéhi was outstanding, producing a crucial late block, while Jaydee Canvot again impressed alongside him. Ezri Konsa also delivered a composed performance at the back, with Thomas Tuchel in attendance as he continues to strengthen his World Cup credentials.

In the end, Villa failed to capitalise on Manchester City dropping points, missing a chance to move into second place. Palace, meanwhile, extended their winless run to six league matches but climbed to 13th, overtaking Tottenham after Spurs’ defeat to Bournemouth.

Full Time: Crystal Palace 0–0 Aston Villa

Man of the Match: Jaydee Canvot