PLAYER RATINGS: Nicolo Zaniolo’s crucial header secures Aston Villa a point with Douglas Luiz classy and Moussa Diaby continuing to impress… but Jhon Duran was lucky to avoid red

Aston Villa missed out on top spot in the Premier League ahead of Christmas after being held to a dramatic 1-1 draw against Sheffield United.

Unai Emery's side rescued a final point through Nicolo Zaniolo's brave header after the midfielder had beaten goalkeeper Wes Foderingham with a dangerous cross.

But during a significant injury spell, they were in for a shock defeat.

Cameron Archer, who came through Villa Park's academy before leaving earlier this year, took advantage of Gustavo Hamer's stunning return to get home.

Here, Mailsport's AAdam PATEL judges the hosts…

The midfielder, brought on in the second half, beat Wes Foderingham with a dangerous cross

Villa (4-4-1-1)

Emiliano Martinez (5)

Could have had the evening off but made an important save from Oliver Norwood's strike from outside the penalty area in the 78th minute. Although he could do nothing to stop former Villa man Cameron Archer from scoring the opener.

Matty Cash (6)

Alongside the rest of the back four, he barely put a foot wrong all match, but failed to show enough threat offensively to break through the Blades' backline and was made to pay, with Archer's goal coming from his flank came.

I picked up a booking in extra time for a Sheffield United counter stop and will miss the visit to Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

Ezri Konsa (6)

Should have given Villa the lead from John McGinn's corner when he ran away from his man in the first half but headed over.

Luckily he couldn't divert Max Lowe's cross into his own net late in the second half and was perhaps at fault for not picking up Archer for his goal.

Ezri Konsa should have given Villa the lead and was lucky not to find his own net

Clement Lenglet (6)

The most hits throughout the match, with almost half of them coming in the opposition half. No surprise given Villa's high backline, but it should have been done better to prevent Archer having all the time in the world to score the winner.

Lucas Digne (5)

He was underutilized on the evening and was replaced by Alex Moreno after 73 minutes as Villa looked for a goal.

Lucas Digne was not used enough by Villa and was sent off in the second half

Leon Bailey (6)

Lots of energy and perhaps a shame that his goal was disallowed. Received a yellow card early in the second half for breaking a Sheffield United counter. In the 81st minute he was taken off the field for Nicolo Zaniolo, who scored the equalizer.

Jacob Ramsey (6)

Like Bailey, lots of energy but missed that edge in the final third. Poor judgment when fouled by Wes Foderingham for Villa's goal, which was disallowed after a VAR check.

Douglas Luiz (7)

Class as expected and delivered the perfect cross to Zaniolo's header in extra time. One of four Villa players alongside the two centre-backs and Matty Cash with over 100 touches.

Douglas Luiz delivered a classy performance and delivered the perfect cross for the equalizer

John McGinne (6)

Decent display and constantly asking for the ball. However, was easily put to the ground by Gustavo Hamer for Archer's goal.

Moussa Diaby (7)

Continues to impress. Showed his speed to make a great run early on, but like his teammates would have been disappointed not to test Foderingham more.

Replaced by Jhon Duran in the 74th minute as Villa opted for more physicality.

Moussa Diaby continues to impress and showed good pace to run and gun early

Ollie Watkins (6)

Only the 19 touches on a remarkably quiet night for the Villa forward. A huge missed opportunity to score his 50th Premier League goal for Villa, but it's only a matter of time.

SUBS

Alex Moreno (6)

Arranged to provide more down the left flank. Showed signs that maybe he should have started.

John Duran (5)

Introduced when Villa wanted to look for a goal more directly. Luckily he didn't get a red card when he hit Jack Robinson's face with his elbow.

Jhon Duran was lucky to avoid a red card after his elbow hit Jack Robinson in the face

Nicolo Zaniolo (7)

Crucial header to grab a point for Villa and what a time to score his first Premier League goal for Villa.