Watch: Glenn Whelan The Villain As 10 Man Villa Draw 3-3 With Preston

By Eoin Lyons Oct 02, 2018 10:22 PM

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It was a match that had everything. Six goals, one red card, and two penalties (one missed, one scored), and a cabbage, thrown by a disgruntled Villa fan at Steve Bruce, who has only won one of his last ten games in charge.

In the first half it seemed like Steve Bruce's side were well on their way to easing some of the pressure on their beleaguered manager, with goals from Jonathan Kodjia Tammy Abraham giving the Villains a two goal cushion.

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But a major turning point in the match would take place in the 54th minute when James Chester conceded a penalty and also receiving his marching orders in the process. Daniel Johnston scored the resultant spot kick:

Paul Gallagher would draw the sides level on 79 minutes, sweeping home a free kick for Preston:

Louis Moult made the away side's man advantage count on 86 minutes, heading home from a corner to give the Lilywhites the lead for the first time in the game:

But the drama was not over yet, with ten man Villa hitting back through Yannick Bolasie after a goalmouth scramble to bring the score to 3-3.

You'd think that would be enough drama for most but, in the dying moments of the game Glenn Whelan (who had come on as a sub on 83 minutes) had the opportunity to snatch all three points when his side were awarded a late penalty, but the Ireland international could not take the chance, his effort being saved by Chris Maxwell in goal:

Last two minutes of action from Villa Park! In the end Glenn Whelan just refused to save Steve Bruce from getting sacked. Insane #avfc pic.twitter.com/YP92nUEIRW

— Kristoffer Freiding (@KristofferF) October 2, 2018

Insane. With mounting pressure on Bruce's position at the club, you wonder whether Whelan's missed spot kick may end up costing Bruce his job.