A week that Leeds will never forget ended in their fifth consecutive defeat when a controversial first-half strike from Julian Joachim saw David O'Leary's side lose second spot in the Premiership.

Of all the matches this weekend, this was certainly the most poignant given the tragedy which took place on the streets of Istanbul on the eve of Thursday's UEFA Cup semi-final first leg.

The deaths of Leeds supporters Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight during violent clashes had united supporters throughout the country.

Never was that more apparent than at Villa Park when Knight blew his whistle to signal a minute's silence, with the 34,000 crowd immaculately observing the tribute.

Most moving of all was the sight of the Leeds players, arms linked as they formed their own circle of unity, heads bowed as an eerie peace descended for 60 seconds after the tumult of the last few days.

For chairman Peter Ridsdale, a tower of strength during such a trying time, the calm was clearly moving as he was forced to choke back tears of emotion.

Just after the half-time whistle, Ridsdale made his way to the touchline and walked to one corner of the ground where the Leeds fans were situated, and he was given a heroic round of applause.

Ridsdale also took time out to speak to a handful who had made their way out of the stand, with one fan embracing him as the sadness over recent events again took hold.

On the opposing side, at least the Villa players had the decency to wear black armbands as their own mark of respect after the furore which had surrounded Galatasaray's decision not to do so during their 2-0 victory.

If that game should have been postponed, with UEFA having railroaded Ridsdale into playing the doomed tie, then this was arguably a match too soon.

Coming just over two days after Leeds returned from 'Hell', the players, the management, the club's board and the fans, had been given no time to come to terms with such horrifying events.

Manager David O'Leary has continually commented this season on the physically-draining effects of playing in the Premiership so soon after their exertions in Europe.

On this occasion, O'Leary also had to contend with the mental anguish which could easily have affected his side - perhaps more of a problem than aching limbs and fatigued muscles.

To counter balance the argument was the fact that playing the game was the best psychological remedy - at least for 90 minutes anyway.

United winger Jason Wilcox could not even consider talking about this match when he spoke of his grief on Friday, and that seemed to sum up the feelings of all in the Leeds camp.

Certainly the opening 10 minutes seemed to lend credence to such thoughts as Villa, behind the irrepressible driving force of Paul Merson, took the game to their opponents.

Benito Carbone, who struck a hat-trick in Villa's 3-2 FA Cup fifth-round win over Leeds at the end of January, was first off the mark with a shot which stung the fingers of Nigel Martyn.

The England international was then totally wrongfooted as the post came to United's rescue after Gareth Barry's 20-yard drive had cannoned off Jonathan Woodgate.

Many believe David James is now pressing for a recall to the national fold - to add to his one appearance in 1997 - and with a string of fine saves, he again did his chances no harm.

After Ian Harte had drilled a 20-yard shot wide, James then proved the hero, with his best arriving when he blocked a Harry Kewell left-foot volley at point blank range.

Lee Bowyer was twice denied by fingertip stops, while Jason Wilcox also forced the best out of James, although it was Villa who grabbed the initiative and the only goal of the game just before half time - thanks to Knight.

Barry's long clearance in the 40th minute looked as if it would be cleared by Gary Kelly, but as the Republic of Ireland international seized upon the ball, the charging Julian Joachim bundled the right-back to the ground from behind.

But there was no whistle and no flag, allowing Joachim to accelerate away and beat Martyn with a low shot into the right hand corner for his ninth goal of the season and his first in two months.

It was enough to condemn Leeds to their fifth successive defeat as their worst run since 1996 - on that occasion six - continues, while Villa's incredible form has now seen them lose just two of their last 25 matches.

Leeds at least played their best football for many weeks against the FA Cup finalists, and should have had a draw from the game, particularly when Michael Bridges missed the chance of the match on the hour.

Kewell took Martyn's long goal kick in his stride and after shaking off the challenge of Lloyd Samuel, his bye-line pull back picked out an unmarked Bridges, but his sidefoot shot in front of an open goal was spooned over the bar.

United's 17-goal leading scorer then kicked the post in frustration, and it proved to be his last act as he was immediately replaced by Darren Huckerby.

It was also effectively Leeds' last chance, and even if they had found an equaliser, it wouldn't have been enough to prevent them from dropping out of the top two for the first time since mid-September.

With the hopes of winning the title having vanished in recent weeks, their dream of claiming an automatic Champions League spot is also fast disappearing as Liverpool's home win over Spurs was enough to displace Leeds from second spot.

Teams:

Aston Villa: James, Ehiogu, Samuel, Barry, Watson, Hendrie (Thompson 68), Boateng, Merson, Wright (Ghrayib 52), Joachim, Carbone (Dublin 59).

Subs Not Used: Delaney, Enckelman.

Booked: Samuel.

Goals: Joachim 39.

Leeds: Martyn, Kelly, Woodgate, Radebe, Harte, Bakke, Bowyer, Wilcox, McPhail, Kewell, Bridges (Huckerby 59).

Subs Not Used: Haaland, Mills, Jones, Robinson.

Booked: Kelly.

Att: 33,889

Ref: B Knight (Orpington)