Sheffield United vs Aston Villa result: Ten-man Blades dig deep to earn rare victory

Sheffield United 1-0 Aston Villa: Phil Jagielka’s sending off made the Blades’ task even harder but they held on to all three points

David McGoldrick, centre, celebrates putting Sheffield United in front (PA)

A poacher’s goal from David McGoldrick gave bottom side Sheffield United a 1-0 home win over Aston Villa on Wednesday, as they overcame Phil Jagielka’s sending off to grab their fourth Premier League victory of the season.

The home side took the lead on the half-hour mark when McGoldrick timed his run perfectly, stealing in at the far post to bundle home George Baldock’s cross-shot.

Villa’s Ollie Watkins hit the crossbar with a glancing header in the 54th minute and three minutes later Jagielka was shown a red card after a lengthy VAR review for a foul on Anwar El-Ghazi, who referee Robert Jones ruled was through on goal.

The visitors had plenty of possession but Aaron Ramsdale was rock-solid in the United goal as his side hung on for a win that leaves them on 14 points after 27 games, 12 behind 17th-placed Newcastle United. Villa are ninth on 39 points.