Leeds stepped out onto the pitch for the first time in over four weeks in a fixture that has become a rivalry of late. Ollie Watkins was denied by Illan Meslier in the early going before the hosts started to threaten, although Rodrigo was wayward with an effort from outside the box. The Spaniard was also just a matter of inches away from turning home Luis Sinisterra’s cross, but the onrushing forward fell just short.

Chances soon became sparse as the game was heavily disrupted, with strong tackles flying in from both sides. Referee Stuart Attwell appeared to lose control of the contest, with the crowd antagonised and four yellow cards being dished out before the break. Just before HT arrived, Ludwig Augustinsson was the latest name to be added to the Villa injury list, limping off with an apparent hamstring injury.

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With manager Jesse Marsch watching on from the stands, serving a touchline ban for his own dismissal, the American was left shaking his head as he watched Luis Sinisterra receive his marching orders within five minutes of the break. Physically preventing the restart while already on a yellow card, Attwell had little choice but to dismiss the Leeds winger. Moments later, Villa came close to taking advantage through Philippe Coutinho, but his volley rattled the post before Watkins inexplicably missed the rebound.

Despite being down to 10 men, the hosts still appeared dangerous, with the returning Patrick Bamford testing Emiliano Martínez from the inside left. Steven Gerrard’s men just couldn’t find a way through a very staunch Leeds rearguard, meaning his side have won just one of their last 12 league games and remain precariously close to the relegation zone after an underwhelming start to the season.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)