LEEDS UNITED 0 ASTON VILLA 1
El Ghazi (5)
Anwar El Ghazi’s early goal clinched Aston Villa a 1-0 win at Leeds and lifted his side to within a point of the Premier League’s top six.
El Ghazi was left unmarked to turn home the only goal from close range in the fifth minute and dogged defending saw Villa avenge their 3-0 home defeat to Leeds in October.
When Raphinha went close to scoring inside the opening 30 seconds – he just failed to connect with Patrick Bamford’s cross – it appeared this would be another game at Elland Road this season that you could not take your eyes off.
But, while it ebbed and flowed in the first half, Villa shut down their opponents after the interval and, for Leeds, the game ended in a whimper.
Villa had a penalty appeal turned down when a corner struck Luke Ayling on his arm and then capitalised on sloppy Leeds defending to take a fifth-minute lead.
Ollie Watkins slipped as he fired at goal, but the ball found its way to the unmarked El Ghazi on the six-yard box
and he steered home his sixth league goal of the season.
Leeds responded through Tyler Roberts, but his thumping effort was well saved by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and then El Ghazi twice went close to extending Villa’s lead.
The Dutchman’s first shot was tipped over the bar by Illan Meslier and he pulled his second, a low effort, just wide.
Stuart Dallas fired in a low shot and home skipper Liam Cooper headed straight at Martinez as Leeds chased an equaliser.
Leeds continued to force the issue at the start of the second period, but the killer pass eluded them.
Cooper did just enough to divert Villa captain Tyrone Mings’ header wide from a corner, but the free-flowing action before the break made way for a more scrappy affair.
Villa doggedly defended their slender lead and both sides were guilty of halting play with niggling fouls.
Leeds struggled to break down a resilient defence and, when substitute Jack Harrison’s late cross offered them their best chance of rescuing a point, Raphinha fluffed his header.
Eric Carruthers hit an equaliser for Hearts as they drew 1-1 with Celtic at Tynecastle.
Harry Hood (above) had put Jock Stein’s side ahead. Aberdeen maintained their one-point lead at the top of the First Division but had to come from behind to get a 1-1 draw against thirdbottom St Mirren.
Jim Forrest levelled the score after Ian Munro put the Buddies in front. Rangers and Hibs also ended 1-1. John Greig on target for the Light Blues, and Joe Baker replying.