Bizarre scenes here as Fernandes seemingly pulls up, indicating he might have pulled his hamstring or something similar, before just carrying on.
He’s moving a little slowly but appears to want to carry on, spraying a ball wide to Mount before seeing a shot deflected out for a corner.
Chris Wilson21 December 2025 17:14
Villa do get forward but the chance goes begging as Tielemans lines up a shot from distance and curls wide. Perhaps the wrong choice given the ciscumstances.
Moments later, Fernandes wins a fortunate free-kick near his own box after taking slightly too much time to make a pass.
Chris Wilson21 December 2025 17:11
Another decent attacking spell for United, with the visitors pinning Villa back and the hosts unable to get out of their half for a while.
Nobody can quite find the gaps in the defence yet though.
Chris Wilson21 December 2025 17:09
United have certainly grown into this game and are managing to frustrate Villa, with 75 per cent possession over the last 10 minutes. Amorim seems to have packed midfield looking to limit Villa in central areas.
The hosts certainly still look a threat though, with Rogers coming in off the wing before hitting a tame effort right at Lammens.
Chris Wilson21 December 2025 17:06
Final ballmissing again as Cunha can’t quite slip a pass through to Sesko before a wild Ugarte pass misses its intended target.
Worth noting that Villa’s back-up ‘keeper Marco Bizot is still warming up on the sideline.
Chris Wilson21 December 2025 17:03
Quite a lengthy break here as Martinez discusses something with the medical staff. It’s presumably something to do with concussion protocol, with replays showing that Cash hit the ‘keeper squre on the head with his knee.
He plays on for now after a lengthy delay.
Chris Wilson21 December 2025 16:59
The latest from Richard Jolly at Villa Park:
“Emi Martinez is one of today’s subplots. He was sent off against United in May. He hoped to join them on deadline day. He has denied Benjamin Sesko there, with the Villa fans hailing him as “the world’s No 1”. United seem quite happy they signed Senne Lammens, though.”
Richard Jolly at Villa Park21 December 2025 16:58
Half a chance for Sesko this time, with Cunha slipping a ball through and the Slovenian unable to control it after taking it past Martinez.
There’s a break as Martinez and Cash receive treatment after colliding.
Chris Wilson21 December 2025 16:56
CLOSE! What a chance this is for Sesko.
Fernandes’ ball forward takes a nick off the Villa defender and runs perfectly into the path of the United striker, though Martinez is off his line quickly to close down the space and he makes a good save.
(Action Images via Reuters)
Chris Wilson21 December 2025 16:54
Neither side looks completely comfortable in defence, though it’s been Villa who’ve caused the most problems so far.
There’s been a bit of a lull in activity over the last few minutes though as both sides fight for control.
(Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Chris Wilson21 December 2025 16:51