Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Follow all the action from Villa Park
Follow live coverage as Aston Villa face Crystal Palace in the Premier League today.
Manchester City are reigning champions after a dominant 2020/21 season and Pep Guardiola's side are favourites to win it again boasting as they do one of the best squads in Europe.
European champions Chelsea have proven they have what it takes to dethrone City, however, having done it in last season's Champions League final and will be hoping to add a domestic title to the one won in Porto.
Liverpool were winners back in 2020 ending a 30-year wait for league glory and Jurgen Klopp is sure to have them back challenging again at the sharp end this season too while Manchester United will be looking to be back in the title picture with Cristiano Ronaldo returning to his former club in the summer.
It's not all about the action at the top though with Norwich, Watford and Brentford promoted to the top tier for 2020/21 and hoping to hold their own against the best English football has to offer and avoid the drop.
We will bring you all the action and updates from today's game in the live blog below:
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
That's all from Villa Park today, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Villa next meet Burnley, before finishing their season away to champions-elect Manchester City. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace take on Everton and Manchester United in their final two fixtures of a promising campaign.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
It ends all-square at Villa Park, with the home side riding their luck at times to take a point against their mid-table counterparts from the capital. While Palace had marginally more efforts at goal, they were stung by Watkins' opener before substitute Schlupp salvaged a point, which was merited for the visitors' spirited approach. Both sides demonstrated why they occupy the middle rung on the Premier League ladder, as a lack of composure in the final third prevented the scoreline climbing higher in an open encounter.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
CLOSE! Gathering the ball into his stride effortlessly, on the righ corner of the box, Watkins can only drag his low shot just wide of the far post with an angled attempt.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Ramsey lays the ball off for Digne, who has an ambitious 25-yard effort palmed away by Butland. Then, moments later, McGinn bobbles a mishit volley straight into the goalkeeper's gloves from the edge of the box.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Though Zaha loses the ball with an ill-advised pass, he recovers well to chase down the breaking McGinn, then wins a free-kick from the Villa midfielder in a follow-up challenge.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
A scuffed attempt by Coutinho bounces threateningly towards Butland's goal, and despite Watkins efforts from down on the turf, the England striker cannot make enough contact to beat Palace's goalkeeper from close range.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
When the ball breaks to Buendia on the edge of the box, Schlupp is well placed to cover and deflect the Villa man's powerful shot over for a corner to the home side.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Within less than 20 minutes of doing so, now that they have the lead, Villa have not done the league double over Palace since the 1980-81 season, when they last won the top-flight title.
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