A dramatic late equaliser from Tammy Abraham rescued a 1-1 draw for Aston Villa F.C. against a disciplined Leeds United F.C. at Villa Park, ending the hosts’ 100% Premier League record against sides starting the day 14th or lower (W8, D1).

Villa, sitting above 50 points at this stage of the Premier League for only the third time in history, dominated early possession despite winning just two of their last five games. Dominic Calvert-Lewin nearly broke the deadlock for Leeds on 15 minutes, miskicking from close range, while Emiliano Buendía fired wide for Villa after a failed clearance.

Leeds, transformed since December, refused to sit back and took the lead just after the half-hour mark. Anton Stach unleashed a stunning free-kick from over 25 yards into Emiliano Martínez’s top-left corner. Villa fans were stunned, and just before half-time, Amadou Onana was denied an equaliser by Karl Darlow after a Douglas Luiz cross found him in the box.

The second half saw Villa attempt to impose themselves, with Ross Barkley and Jadon Sancho introduced to add attacking spark. Leeds almost doubled their lead when Lukas Nmecha came off the bench and saw a first-touch header brilliantly saved by Martínez.

Despite their efforts, Villa’s England prospect Morgan Rogers was kept in check by a resolute Leeds midfield. It was Abraham who ultimately secured the point in the 89th minute, firing home a corner headed back to him by Ezri Konsa, marking his second goal in two games for the Villans and sending Villa Park into celebration.

With the draw, Unai Emery avoided a first league defeat in 19 matches against promoted sides. Leeds remain without a second-ever Premier League double over Villa, and despite winning just one of their last 19 top-flight away trips, their safety in the league appears increasingly within reach.