Aston Villa welcomed Reading to Villa Park on Tuesday with both sides currently occupying spots in the relegation zone after a third of the season.
The home side shaded the possession in an eventful opening half, but chances remained at a premium with the two teams entering the break level at 0-0.
The opportunities began to fall in the second period, but it was Christian Benteke who struck 10 minutes from time to hand Villa all three points in the key relegation clash.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by minute live commentary below.
Evening all! We have a full Premier League programme this week with Sunderland also hosting Queens Park Rangers this evening. Meanwhile, the remaining 18 Premier League sides are in action tomorrow. It is getting to that point of the season where the games come thick and fast.
When Paul Lambert took charge of Villa in the summer, many believed that the club would have a comfortable season. But that has certainly not been the case thus far. They have managed just two league wins this season - only once have they won fewer (one in 1955/56) in their opening 13 games.
There also remains much criticism over Lambert’s decision to leave Darren Bent out of the side in favour of Christian Benteke. The powerful Belgian has impressed this season, but leaving an England international striker on the bench for a team struggling to score goals does seem a strange one. We are expecting the team news for tonight's match in the next five minutes or so.
Statistics have also shown that Villa have had the second least shots on goal this season (98). There is no question that the team is a developing one with a number of young players currently in the first team, but you do question the financial stability of the club should they drop down a division.
Breaking team news: There is no Ron Vlaar or Darren Bent in the Aston Villa side this evening. Meanwhile, Jason Roberts and Adam Le Fondre continue in attack for Reading. Full team news to follow.
Teams:
Aston Villa: Guzan; Baker, Clark, Westwood, Stevens; Bannan, Holman, Lowton; Agbonlahor, Benteke, Weimann
Reading: Federici; Cummings, Mariappa, Morrision, Shorey; Tabb, Leigertwood, McAnuff, Robson-Kanu; Roberts, Le Fondre
Bent has been left out of the Villa squad this evening. Incredible. Meanwhile, Vlaar is injured. However, there is a place on the home side's bench for Stephen Ireland. Looking at that Villa lineup, it is so inexperienced.
Villa's recent record against Reading is impressive, however. They have won 13 and lost just one of their last 15 meetings with the Royals. Meanwhile, recent history also points to late drama with a goal coming in the 90th minute of each of the last four matches between the two sides.
Villa's last three Premier League matches have been against Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal. They picked up a singular point during that period, but they now enter a run of games which could make or break their season.
Following tonight's match they travel to Queens Park Rangers at the weekend before hosting Stoke City and then travelling to Norwich City. You just get the feeling that they need to pick up some points with Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to come over the festive period.
Reading, meanwhile, enter the match off the back of a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Wigan Athletic at the weekend. The Royals have taken the lead in five Premier League matches this season and won none, a statistic that is bound to worry boss Brian McDermott.
Statistics have also shown that Reading have been the least accurate passing side in the Premier League this season with 68%. Meanwhile, they have averaged just 40% possession this season, less than any other side in the league.
That said the away side do have players in form. Skipper Jobi McAnuff has provided four assists this season and has been their catalyst in recent weeks. They have managed just one win in the league this season, however, although that came against high-flying Everton and therefore they will feel confident of picking up the points they need.
Reading have struggled at Villa Park in recent seasons, however, losing eight of their last nine trips to the famous stadium. The last time the two sides met in the league at Villa Park was in 2008 when two goals from John Carew helped Villa record a 3-1 win.
Like fellow promoted outfit Queens Park Rangers, Reading will have money to spend in January. It has been suggested that Arsenal winger Andrey Arshavin is on the shopping list, but results need to improve between now and the next transfer window.
Breaking: Reports on Twitter have suggested that Darren Bent stormed out of Villa Park after learning that he had not made the squad for tonight's match. The full story can be found here. It does seem quite an incredible situation.
It would probably be unfair to call this match a relegation six-pointer, but three points at this stage of the season would be massive. Not only in terms of shooting up the table, but in order to give the players confidence ahead of a busy festive period.
The Royals will also look to this match as a chance to pick up three points ahead of a difficult period leading up to the end of the year. They welcome Manchester United on Saturday before travelling to Southampton. Sunderland then follow at the Stadium of Light before matches against Arsenal and Manchester City.
Right we are little over five minutes from kickoff. I am backing a 2-2 draw this evening. Both sides can certainly score goals, but are also vulnerable at the other end. Let's hope for a match full of excitement on this mild evening in the Midlands.
Breaking: Darren Bent is indeed at Villa Park this evening. Had he been ordered back? Anyway. Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Following the completion of the handshakes and the exchanging of flags the action will get underway. Stay with us for the entirety on another night of Premier League football.
Here we go then. Villa get us underway. Tonight's referee is Lee Probert. You just get the feeling that the home side need to start well in order to keep the Villa supporters on side. They have been known to turn quickly in recent weeks.
Not the best of starts for Benteke as he plays a loose pass which is picked up by Hal Robson-Kanu. However, the Reading winger's searching pass towards Jason Roberts is headed clear by Nathan Baker. Both sides are just exchanging possession in the early stages.
Slightly sloppy start from the home side with Ashley Westwood and Barry Bannan both guilty of giving away possession in midfield. However, Reading have been unable to find Roberts and Adam Le Fondre in attack thus far. Decent tempo to the match in the early stages.
First real piece of attacking intent from Villa as Holman combines with Agbonlahor outside the Reading box, but the striker just cannot collect the return pass and Shaun Cummings clears the danger. Nothing much from Reading thus far in terms of an attacking threat, although Robson-Kanu has screwed wide from outside the box.
CHANCE! Clearest opportunity of the match comes to the home side as Andreas Weimann bursts through on goal. He attempts to find the run of Holman in the box, but his pass is just too long for the midfielder. The ball really should have been of a higher standard.
CHANCE! Reading come within inches of taking the lead as Jay Tabb fires a low cross into the penalty area, but Le Fondre just cannot direct his effort towards goal. Villa have Brad Guzman to thank with the goalkeeper making himself big between the sticks.
Really is end-to-end football at the moment with both sides threatening with numbers in attack. There is certainly a great deal of pace on display this evening, but not a vast amount of defensive solidarity. That can only point to a match full of goals.
Again it's good work from Roberts as he combines with Robson-Kanu before winning a corner. However, the cross from McAnuff is headed tamely wide by Sean Morrision. The young defender scored his first goal for the Royals at the weekend and does look a threat from set pieces.
Another half-chance comes the way of Reading as McAnuff whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but desperate defending from the home side manages to clear the danger. Roberts has been the star of the show thus far with his presence in the Reading attack.
CHANCE! The opportunities continue to fall for both sides as Bannan finds Benteke in the penalty area, but the striker can only fire his effort straight at Adam Federici. Would a certain Darren Bent have finished that chance?! We would not dare speculate.
Another half-chance comes the way of Benteke as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but Adrian Mariappa steps across to make the block. Roberts remains the target for the away side, but Ciaran Clark and Baker have stood up to the battle thus far.
It hasn't really been the best of nights for Benteke thus far as he twice relinquishes possession in quick succession. Reading threaten on the counter, but Guzan comes to collect the searching cross from Tabb. It remains an open match with 22 minutes on the clock.
Villa are forced into an early chance as Enda Stevens cannot continue following a knock on his ankle. Eric Lichaj replaces the young defender. Not quite what Paul Lambert would have wanted, but the American is a talented defender.
Half-chance for the home side as Agbonlahor finds Bannan outside the penalty area, but the midfielder fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. The Scot is much better than that. Both of these side have been really well matched thus far.
CHANCE! Oh my word. Incredible chance for the home side as Benteke finds Weimann inside the penalty area, but the attacker can only blaze his effort over the crossbar. Reading came close with a chance of their own moments before, but Roberts' effort was blocked by Baker.
Another half-chance comes the way of the home side as Matthew Lowton whips a high cross into the penalty area, but Benteke just cannot make contact and play is restarted with a goal kick. But both sides remain a threat with Le Fondre heading wide down the other end.
The opportunities continue to fall for the home side as Baker meets a Bannan corner, but his header is just over the crossbar. You cannot really say that either side is in control at the moment because the action remains end-to-end.
There is a real air of nervousness in Villa Park at the moment with a period of sloppy passing from the home side. How they could do with the opening goal. Another chance comes and goes as Benteke just cannot control in the penalty area.
Benteke continues to be at the forefront of the action as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it is straight into the arms of Federici. Roberts then threatens at the other end, but he just cannot outpace Baker and the danger is cleared.
Villa are really turning the screw at the moment with Agbonlahor, Weimann and Benteke threatening in the final third. But solid defending from the away side clears the danger. Another half-chance comes to Clark, but his header drifts wide of the post.
Slightly scrappy last couple of minutes with both sides giving away fouls in midfield and relinquishing possession. A shot does eventually come from Lichaj, but the American's effort is high and wide and the Reading goalkeeper will restart the action.
Half-chance for Reading as Baker fells Roberts in a wide position. The free kick is taken by McAnuff, but it fails to beat the first man and Weimann clears the danger. Little over three minutes of the half remaining and the match remains so open.
Penalty claim for the home side as Mariappa challenges Weimann in the area, but the referee shakes his head and play is restarted with a goal kick. It appears that we will be heading into the interval with the scores level at 0-0.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of time at the end of the half. Reading force a couple of corners, but once more the delivery is poor and the danger is cleared.
Aston Villa 0-0 Reading
So there we have it. An entertaining half of football is brought to an end with Aston Villa and Reading level at 0-0. There has been plenty of excitement, but clear chances have been at a premium.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Villa have shaded the possession with 60%, but both sides have had five attempts on goal. Just one has hit the target for Reading, while Villa have registered two.
You just wonder what a certain Darren Bent will be thinking after seeing that first period. Villa are crying out for a player who can finish and the England striker is certainly one of those. Benteke has a lot of ability, but why can't the pair play together? At least have him on the bench.
This is not the only Premier League match in action this evening. Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers are currently level at 0-0 in the second period at the Stadium of Light. It has been an even match thus far. Can Harry Redknapp pick up a point in his first match as R's boss?
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. I don't think anyone would have predicted a 0-0 in this match and I expect goals in the second half.
Reading get the second 45 minutes underway. No changes for either side at the interval. But I suspect that will change if the score remains the same within the next 15 minutes or so.
Bright start from the home side as Agbonlahor evades Nicky Shorey before finding a high cross into the penalty area towards Benteke, but the striker cannot make a proper connection and the danger is cleared. We have lost none of the first-half tempo.
Half-chance for Reading as Shorey picks out McAnuff in the penalty area, but the Royals skipper cannot make proper connection as he loses his footing. Meanwhile, Roberts shows his frustration as another foul is given against him.
The home supporters are doing their best to raise the home side in the early stages of the second period. However, Reading have just stepped up a level in the past few moments with Roberts and McAnuff causing problems with their direct running. This is anyone's match.
CHANCE! Another opportunity comes the way of Villa as Baker meets a low Bannan corner, but the defender can only divert his effort wide of the post. Meanwhile, it was good work from Weimann in the build-up to the award of the set piece.
The match remains end-to-end with Roberts scooping an effort over the crossbar for Reading before Holman fires wide down the other end. Meanwhile, it is the away supporters that are making the noise at the moment as they attempt to raise their team.
Benteke continues to struggle to influence the match as he loses possession inside the Reading box once more. Best spell of the second period for Reading at the moment with Roberts winning a corner following a thumping drive.
CHANCE! Le Fondre comes ever so close to handing Reading the lead as he meets a McAnuff corner, but his header is over the crossbar from close range. The striker really should be scoring from that angle.
CHANCE! Another terrific chance. This time it's for the home side as Clark meets a corner from Bannan at the near post, but his header just whistles wide of the target. Paul Lambert cannot quite believe that his side are not ahead.
The atmosphere has just quietened inside Villa Park in the past few moments with Reading really forcing the issue. The home side look tired in attack, while the Royals are suddenly bright and full of areas. You just get the feeling that a goal at this stage could ultimately be the winner.
The pressure remains from the away side as Morrison floats a high cross into the penalty area. Guzan comes and doesn't collect and Reading have a penalty shout as Le Fondre is felled in the area. The frustration from the home side is apparent as they continually give away free kicks.
Half-chance for the away side once more as Roberts collects possession before driving into the Villa box, but his effort is saved by Guzan. The experienced striker has been really influential this evening. He could yet have a say with more than 20 minutes of football remaining.
Double change for the home side as Holman and Weimann are replaced by Stephen Ireland and Marc Albrighton. Villa have played their cards first. I would expect to see Pavel Pogrebnyak for Reading in the remaining quarter of this match.
Benteke finally wins a free kick from Morrison and the decision is met by ironic cheers from the home supporters. However, the Villa striker cannot influence the set piece and Federici is on hand to collect. This really has been such an even 70 minutes of football.
A scramble inside the Reading penalty almost brings a goal for the home side, but Albrighton and Benteke cannot get shots away and the danger is cleared. The match has just livened up once more in the past few moments. We could be in for an exciting remaining 18 minutes or so.
The Villa fans cry out for a penalty as Tabb appears to handle inside the penalty area, but replays have shown that the referee made the correct decision. The home side really need their supporters in the remaining minutes of this match. It would be such a vital three points.
Half-chance for the home side as Ireland finds the head of Bannan in the penalty area, but the midfielder can only loop his effort straight at Federici. Meanwhile, the threat from Reading on the counter remains.
The pace has just settled down in the past few moments with both sides exchanging possession of the ball. There is such a nervousness around the stadium with little over 10 minutes remaining. A goal now would be disastrous for either of these two sides.
First change of the match for the away side as the impressive Roberts is replaced by Noel Hunt. Villa currently have possession of the ball, but everything remains direct and into the penalty area and Reading are comfortable in dealing with the danger.
GOAL! Aston Villa 1-0 Reading (Benteke)
Aston Villa take the lead with little under 10 minutes remaining as Benteke beats Morrison to a header at the far post to thump his effort past Federici. What a time to pull that out of the bag.
It is ever so cruel on the away side who have had chances of their own in the second period. But that is football at the highest level as they are finding out this season. Can Reading respond in the remaining minutes?
Benteke tries his luck once more with an effort from outside the penalty area, but Federici is comfortable in dealing with the danger. Meanwhile, Reading make their second change of the evening as Robson-Kanu is replaced by Garath McCleary.
Half-chance for Reading as Hunt meets a looping cross in the penalty area, but his header was straight at Guzan. Meanwhile, Benteke's presence has started to cause the Reading defenders problems in the past 10 or so minutes.
It's all Reading at the moment as they flood forward in desperate search of the equaliser, but they just cannot find that elusive final ball and Guzan wastes time every moment he has possession of the ball. Little over three minutes of normal time remaining.
The pressure remains from the away side as they throw cross after cross into the Villa penalty area, but Clark continues to clear the danger. However, the nervousness from the crowd has transmitted to the players.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes at the end of the match. Can Reading force an equaliser? It simply has to come now.
The chance appears to have gone for Reading as Villa keep possession with little over a minute remaining. There could be one last chance, but they need the ball first.
Aston Villa 1-0 Reading
So there we have it. Villa pick up just their third league win of the season to move out of the relegation zone at the expense of Southampton. That just about does it from me this evening. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for more Premier League football tomorrow. Until then!
