Tammy Abraham came off the bench to score a late equalizer for Aston Villa, canceling out Anton Stacchi’s superb free-kick for a 1-1 draw.
Statch’s spectacular shot from 35 yards, which was one of his goals this season, completely overtook Emi Martinez, and the visitors cheered and took the lead.
Lucas Nmeka almost doubled Leeds’ advantage with his first contribution off the bench, diving to meet a great cross from Jayden Bogle, but Martinez crossed well to deny his header and make it 2-0.
And Martinez’s save proved decisive.
Apart from some pressure before the break when Ollie Watkins fired straight at Karl Darlow and Amadou Onana’s shot from close range was saved by the Leeds keeper, Villa posed little threat.
However, Abraham looped home a flick finish from a set piece to snatch a point for the home team. Despite falling down the table in the Premier League this season, Villa have picked up 19 points, more than any other team.
Since early December, Leeds have continued to impress with their resurgence under manager Daniel Farke, losing just two of their 14 Premier League games.
Leeds remained in 15th place after picking up the point, missing out on a chance to take the maximum points, while Chelsea were forced to draw at home to Burnley, meaning Unai Emery’s side effectively maintained their third-place advantage over the fourth-placed side.
Emery seeks prospects after Leeds draw
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said:
“There are two ways to look at this. One is we lose two points at home.
“Our feeling here is very strong, it was very difficult for the team to get points here, we beat the best teams in the league, Arsenal and Man City.
“Okay, four games at home. We beat Brighton, lost to Everton and Brentford and drew.
“And then there’s also overall, what the table looks like after round 27[of the Premier League]. We can analyze all that.”
“In the 90th minute we were looking to get two more points. After 10 minutes, the only goal was to win. It was a good thing that we accepted that point. Let’s keep moving forward and keep improving.”
“The Premier League is very difficult, but we are third. Our goal is clear. We are focused on each game. We are currently third with 51 points. The next step is Wolverhampton.”
When asked to explain the decline in home form, Emery added: “At times we performed like we did now, we were winning. Maybe we were more clinical, full of energy, excited. Now we’re trying to get our energy and mood back. I’m happy with our response.”
“Today we beat Brighton and drew. It’s not bad.”
Falke praises ‘warrior’ after draw against Villa
Anton Stutch is hugged by Jayden Bogle after scoring against Leeds at Villa Park
Leeds manager Daniel Farke said:
“It’s crazy for a team promoted to the Premier League to go away against one of the title contenders, who are the best team not only in this country but also in Europe, but we’re a bit disappointed with only one point.
“But that’s the general feeling. We conceded too late and had a chance to score a second goal in the second half. And also remember that the goal could have been avoided and there was also a second phase from a corner kick in the 89th minute.”
“Of course, the first moment will be a little disappointing. But I have to say that my warriors today deserve all the praise and a lot of compliments. This is a really good point for us and also our best performance.”
“In fact, we were very close to winning all three, but I have to say that moment of disappointment was another really valuable point.”
