Aston Villa could not climb out of the bottom three as they recorded a goalless draw with Sheffield United in the Premier League's first match after a 100-day break because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After both sets of players "took a knee" before kick-off to show their support for the Black Lives Matter campaign, it was the hosts who began on the front foot.
Keinan Davis headed over the bar on 11 minutes while Kortney Hause also had a chance from a corner.
On 42 minutes, Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland caught Oliver Norwood's curling free-kick and stumbled back over his goalline.
Sheffield United's players appealed for a goal but referee Michael Oliver waved them away after he received no alert from the Goal Decision System.
After half-time, Davis narrowly failed to connect with Anwar El Ghazi's cross before John McGinn's shot was beaten out by Dean Henderson.
The point takes Sheffield United to sixth, on 44 points, while Villa stay 19th, now on 26 points.
See: Aston Villa report | Sheff Utd report
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 |
Brighton & Hove Albion
BHA
|
38 | -15 | 41 |
| 16 |
West Ham United
WHU
|
38 | -13 | 39 |
| 17 |
Aston Villa
AVL
|
38 | -26 | 35 |
| 18 |
Bournemouth
BOU
|
38 | -25 | 34 |
| 19 |
Watford
WAT
|
38 | -28 | 34 |
| 20 |
Norwich City
NOR
|
38 | -49 | 21 |
Next fixtures
Aston Villa: 21 June v Chelsea (H)
Sheff Utd: 21 June v Newcastle (A)
