LEEDS – Aston Villa forward Anwar El Ghazi struck early to secure a 1-0 win at Leeds United in a lively Premier League clash on Saturday that left the visitors in contention for a European spot.
The result put eighth-placed Villa on 39 points from 24 games, six behind West Ham United in fourth and with two matches in hand. Leeds stayed 10th on 35 points from 26 games.
The first half produced end-to-end action with both sides missing chances after El Ghazi struck in the fifth minute, sliding the ball past goalkeeper Illan Meslier after Ollie Watkins whipped in a cross from the edge of the area.
El Ghazi missed three more chances with Meslier denying him twice before the Dutchman shot wide from a good position, while Tyler Roberts drew a superb reflex save from Emiliano Martinez at the other end.
The pace dropped in the second half on a difficult pitch and the match became littered with fouls as Leeds midfielder Roberts and Villa defender Matt Targett got booked after an altercation.
Leeds piled on some late pressure and Raphinha missed their final chance to equalise as he directed a header wide in the 89th minute after Jack Harrison swung in a cross from the left.
Reuters