Below-par Sheffield United were ‘robbed’ of three points admits Oliver Norwood

Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland carried a Norwood free-kick into his own net during Wednesday’s game in the west Midlands. Pictures show the whole of the ball over the line, but the goalline technology failed to work properly, something operators Hawk Eye have apologised for.

“All the money in the game, you’d think that wouldn’t happen,” said midfielder Norwood. “You wouldn’t think technology would be robbing us of three points.

“I couldn’t actually see from where I was but the reaction of everyone told me the ball had gone in. The lads who were in the box were celebrating and Billy (Sharp) and John (Egan) were telling me it had gone across the line and I’d scored.

“When the ref (Michael Oliver) didn’t give it, we were wondering what was going on. I was saying, ‘Ref, what’s happened?’ He told me his watch hadn’t buzzed.

“He apologised later and fair play to him for that. I don’t really think it was his fault but, with all the money that’s gone into this (resumption of the season), you wouldn’t think this would be happening, would you?”

With the goal chalked off, the game ended 0-0, and Norwood admitted his team was below par.

“I didn’t think we were great and we didn’t produce our usual quality,” he said. “But if we’d have gone in front at that point, I think it might have been different.”

“We could have played better but there were reasons for that, and I think Villa will tell you the same thing – it was a bit weird and we’ll have to get used to it. But the first goal is so important and we scored the first goal. I think the pictures tell you everything.”