Aston Villa vs Sheffield United LIVE: Result and reaction as Premier League returns after 100 days
The 2019/20 Premier League season is back
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Aston Villa drew with Sheffield United as the 2019/20 Premier League season resumes.
After 98 days football in England returned to the field with Villa hoping to get a result to kickstart their push for safety at Villa Park. The Blades have far loftier ambitions and will have their eyes on an unlikely Champions League qualification place should things break right for them between now and the end of the season.
The match was an even affair blighted by controversy as goal-line technology appeared to miss the ball go over the line in the first-half denying Sheffield United a certain goal.
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What's different about these Premier League matches?
All matches will be played behind closed doors, with number of key people allowed inside the stadium limited to 300.
Each stadiums has been divided into three zones - red (includes pitch and technical areas), amber (stands) and green (stand concourses) - with restrictions on who is allowed to enter each.
Teams are able to make five substitutions in each match instead of three and can name nine substitutes instead of the usual seven.
Staggered entry on to the pitch for players and staff and no handshakes before kick-off. Deep cleaning of corner flags, goalposts, substitution boards and match balls before and after each fixture.
Post-match broadcast interviews will take place pitchside with press conferences conducted virtually.
But, VAR will continue to be in operation.
Chris Wilder has been speaking to Sky Sports about the game, he said:
"It's a bit surreal but we are getting on with it. We have done right through the process. We are in the same sitatution as everybody else and are just looking forward to getting back to playing.
"It will suit some teams in terms of getting players back fit. We were in good momemtum but have to pick that up again. The boys have worked incredibly hard to get themselves in a good physical condition. We are in a good position so we are desperate to finish it off."
On John Fleck and Jack O'Connell's injuries: "They are contact injuries. We are a competitive side so we compete in training. Fleck will hopefully be fit for sunday. We are just waiting on Jack.
"Every club in the country has had their issues throughout the season [with injuries]. We have kept a steady team, a healthy squad, but we will have to adapt now. The two boys that have come in, we are confident they will perform.
"Jack O'Connell tried to stop a goal going in in training and collided with Dean Henderson so he is unfortunate. It opens it up for a couple of other players."
There's just 30 minutes left until the Premier League restarts with Aston Villa vs Sheffield United. Following this game Arsenal take on Manchester City at 8:15pm.
If Arsenal win the game then Hector Bellerin has vowed to plant 3,000 trees to help the environment. Read all about it here:
The Villa players have jogged out onto the pitch for their warm up. They're wearing 'Black Lives Matter' training tops in support of racial equality.
For the first 12 matches of the restarted season all Premier League players' names will be replaced with the 'Black Lives Matter' message as well.
After a 100 day wait we're just 15 miuntes away from the restart of the Premier League. Who you going for, Aston Villa or Sheffield United?
Orjan Nyland is making only his second start in the Premier League for Aston Villa with Keinan Davis starting for the first time.
Risky business from head coach Dean Smith.
There's an eerie atmosphere as the teams come out, separately, onto the pitch. There's no celebrations, no applause and the players are social distanced for the pre-match ceremony.
No handshakes, just nods to the opposing team and we're ready to go. Kick off is next.
A minute silence to honour those who have lost their lives during the coronavirus pandemic, and to those still on the frontlines precedes the start of the match.
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