McGoldrick hands Sheffield United vital win over Villa

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.

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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.

Villa poured forward looking for an equaliser, but with playmaker Jack Grealish missing due to injury, their final ball into the box often lacked quality.

Sheffield United players celebrate after scoring a goal against Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Sheffield United players celebrate after scoring a goal against Aston Villa in the Premier League.
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Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez came up for some corners in a frenetic four minutes of stoppage time, but his opposite number Aaron Ramsdale was rock-solid in the United goal as his side hung on.

"We knew it would be a tough game and it got tougher when we went down to 10 men, but it showed how much we're fighting for this club," goalscorer McGoldrick told BT Sport.

"We showed massive character. We all care about the club, we're still fighting for our lives and our future. We're still fighting until the end."