When Aston Villa last lost five matches in a row, Dean Smith paid with his job. The situation was not as severe for Unai Emery but he needed to end a dismal run of four defeats and was deeply frustrated that his side failed to turn domination into three points.
Ollie Watkins and Ross Barkley twice equalised for Aston Villa, who also had a Youri Tielemans penalty saved. They were twice hit on the break, resulting in Ismaïla Sarr and Justin Devenny giving Palace the lead. Villa were dominant from the start but lacked the cutting edge expected of a Champions League side.
