Aston Villa Miss Chance to Close on Arsenal as Crystal Palace Hold Firm
Aston Villa were unable to capitalize on an opportunity to reduce the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal to three points, as Crystal Palace secured a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park. The result leaves Villa and Arsenal level on 43 points, five points behind the leaders, while Palace extend their winless run to six league games, with no home victory since beating Brentford on 1 November.
After a slow start, it was Palace who looked more likely to find a breakthrough. Brennan Johnson, making his home debut, spurned several chances either side of the break, while Yeremy Pino forced Villa’s substitute goalkeeper Marco Bizot into a smart save following Emiliano Martinez’s first-half injury.
Villa were searching for their 10th win in 11 league games, which would have taken them to 45 points after 21 matches—a record for the club—but despite several openings, the visitors could not break the deadlock.
Key Moments and Player Performances
In the first half, in-form striker Ollie Watkins made several incisive runs behind Palace’s defence, only to be denied by a Dean Henderson save and a goal-line block from Maxence Lacroix. Palace initially appeared to be conserving energy, but in the final 30 minutes, they became much more adventurous.
Jean-Philippe Mateta came agonizingly close to scoring, failing to convert a low cross from Brennan Johnson. Villa pressed late in the game, with Watkins hitting the woodwork and Morgan Rogers firing over, but the score remained 0-0.
The match highlighted Villa’s attacking frustration. Despite multiple chances, the team lacked the composure needed to convert opportunities, a factor that has defined several recent encounters this season.
Crystal Palace: Spirited Amidst Injury Crisis
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has repeatedly emphasized the challenges posed by injuries, with the squad stretched thin. Johnson was Palace’s only new signing so far this season, and his energy and movement proved vital.
“It was our 33rd game of the season and we could only make one substitution because we needed JP [Mateta] to defend set-plays,” Glasner told Sky Sports. “When I see what the players are doing, it is incredible, huge credit to them.”
Defender Marc Guehi delivered another solid performance, unaffected by speculation linking him with Manchester City. Glasner, however, admitted he could not guarantee Guehi’s future, acknowledging that top clubs could lure him away if substantial offers arrived.
Palace’s approach—staying compact in the first half while conserving energy for late pressure—almost produced a victory. Their resilience under adverse circumstances highlights the squad’s character despite ongoing challenges.
Aston Villa Analysis: Missed Opportunity
Villa manager Unai Emery will have been frustrated by his team’s inability to close the gap on Arsenal. Watkins, in particular, was thwarted by saves, blocks, and the woodwork, taking four shots without reward.
Had Villa won, they would have moved to second in the table. Instead, the draw maintains the tight competition at the top, with Villa and Arsenal level on points, five behind league leaders.
What’s Next?
Crystal Palace begin the defense of their FA Cup title with a third-round trip to National League North side Macclesfield on Saturday (10 January, 12:15 GMT, live on BBC).
Aston Villa also enter the FA Cup third round, traveling to Tottenham Hotspur later the same day (17:45 GMT). Both sides will look to build momentum in cup and league competitions as the Premier League season enters its crucial phase.
Player Ratings: Crystal Palace Standouts
- A. Wharton (CP) – 7.61, Player of the Match
- M. Guehi (CP) – 7.55
- M. Lacroix (CP) – 7.33
- D. Henderson (Villa) – 7.23
- J. Canvot (CP) – 6.90
- B. Johnson (CP) – 6.86
- T. Mitchell (CP) – 6.85
- W. Hughes (CP) – 6.67
- J. Devenny (CP) – 6.49
- J. Mateta (CP) – 6.30
- Yeremy Pino (Villa) – 5.73
- B. Sosa (Villa) – 5.09
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