AMSTERDAM – Brad Guzan and Aston Villa tentatively jumped out of the relegation zone Tuesday night, snapping their six-game Premier League losing streak with a 2-1 victory over derby visitors West Bromwich Albion.
As a welcome change, the US No. 1 had next to nothing to do on a night when the Villans scored their first league win since early December thanks to Christian Benteke's stoppage-time penalty kick. The result moved Villa three points above the relegation trap door, but they could be pushed right back under by Wednesday combatants Burnley and Queens Park Rangers.
One level below in the Championship, Daniel Williams came on late to help Reading rally for a last-gasp equalizer in a 1-1 draw away to Tim Ream's Bolton.
Williams entered 12 minutes before Jamie Mackie leveled matters in added time. The result dropped both teams one rung, With Bolton remaining one slot ahead of the Royals in 17th.
Despite losing three players, two of them defenders, Wanderers were precious seconds away from posting consecutive shutout wins. Ream was a large part of the effort, notching a game-high four pass interceptions, four area clearances, three cross blocks and two tackles.
Elsewhere, Eric Lichaj and ninth-place Nottingham Forest fell for the first time in seven games, 2-1 at Charlton.
The Reds wasted another solid showing from the US right back, especially at the attacking end. In addition to buzzing the crossbar with a 30-yard bomb near halftime, Lichaj completed 56 of 60 passes, including 13 forward link-ups in or into the Charlton end.
