Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Goal-Line Technology Steals the Headlines

The Premier League got back underway once again on Wednesday after three months, as Aston Villa played out a controversial 0-0 draw with Sheffield United at Villa Park.

At kick-off, all players took a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. And when play got underway, it was the away side who looked to take control of proceedings early on, dominating possession. But this didn't last long as Villa created the first notable opportunity, with Conor Hourihane forcing Dean Henderson into a comfortable save.

The hosts then continued to press forward, with John McGinn testing Henderson again with a header. However, the Blades thought they had taken the lead three minutes before half time when Orjan Nyland appeared to carry Oliver Norwood's deep free-kick into his own goal - but the goal-line technology didn't buzz. Perhaps what was most bizarre was that VAR didn't intervene, despite the ball staying in play.

Villa were inches away from taking the lead early in the second half, Jack Grealish expertly gliding away before playing a beautiful pass in behind. Anwar El Ghazi looked to slide the ball across to Kienan Davis, but the tall forward was just unable to latch onto the cross. From then on, however, there were few chances for either side, particularly as fatigue began to set in.

Here's 90min's breakdown of the game...

Aston Villa

Key Talking Point

Aston Villa came into the restart sat in the relegation spaces - although this clash was their game in hand. A win would have been enough to take Smith's men out of the relegation spaces, at least for the time being.

As a result, Villa couldn't afford to waste any time adjusting and reacclimatising despite their lack of match fitness. Smith will, of course, have anticipated some rustiness, but he will have been keen to see his side step up and deliver in their first game back.

While it took Villa a few minutes to find their rhythm, they soon took control of proceedings in the first period. Looking sharp in all areas of the field, the hosts were a threat and looked the hungrier of the two sides.

For all their good work in the opening 45 minutes, however, they were very fortunate to not find themselves behind at the break. Nonetheless, the second half saw Villa continue to push forward as they searched for an opener. The problem was the lack of cutting edge, the final ball. While it was a promising display, the inability to take their chances will frustrate Smith.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Nyland (3); Konsa (5), Hause (6), Mings (6), Targett (6); Hourihane (6), Douglas Luiz (6), McGinn (7*); El Ghazi (6), Davis (6), Grealish (7).

Substitutes: Trézéguet (6), Samatta (6), Nakamba (5), Elmohamady (5).

John McGinn

Oh, how Aston Villa have missed John McGinn!

McGinn hasn't featured in a league game since the end of December as he has struggled with an ankle injury, but he made his return to the team against Sheffield United.

His energy and willingness to press and harry his opponents set the tone for the team, with those around him following his lead. Perhaps the best thing about the Scotland international is that he is equally valuable in both the defensive and attacking phases. When his side were in possession, he would constantly make lung-busting runs from deep to support the attackers and get into the box.

It was a bright performance from the midfielder on his return and he could be key to their survival hopes.

Sheffield United

Key Talking Point

Sheffield United were enjoying a dream season before play was halted and, as a result, Chris Wilder will have been looking for his side to pick up where they left off. Like Villa, United also have a lot to play for in this mini-season and a win would have taken them above Manchester United and into fifth.

Despite a bright opening few minutes, the Blades struggled to pose any real threat for the majority of the first half. However, they should have taken the lead just before the break when Norwood's cross was carried over the line by Nyland - but the referee didn't award a goal as the technology didn't indicate the ball had crossed the line. Just moments before half time, it will have been an excellent time to score - but it wasn't to be.

Nonetheless, it was an opportunity for them to begin to have their say on the game - but this didn't happen. Once again, the second half saw Wilder's men struggle to really impose themselves and never really looked like testing Nyland. It was a disappointing performance, but it could yet prove to be a valuable point come the end of the season.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Henderson (8*); Basham (5), Egan (6), Stevens (5), Baldock (5); Berge (6), Lundstram (5), Norwood (5), Robinson (5); McBurnie (4), Sharp (4).

Substitutes: Freeman (5), McGoldrick (5), Mousset (5).

Dean Henderson

Dean Henderson picked up right where he left off before the break.

The Englishman was very impressive in his work on Wednesday, his side could have found themselves two or three goals down had it not been for him. Henderson was called into action numerous times, but he was more than a match each time.

Immediately looking to address the problems, Henderson was constantly shouting and instructing his defenders in order to plug the gaps. While many players showed signs of rustiness, Henderson was once again in fine form.

Looking Ahead

Aston Villa next host Chelsea on Sunday, before travelling to take on Newcastle on Wednesday.

As for Sheffield United, they travel to face Newcastle on Sunday, before travelling to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United on Wednesday.