Sheffield United earned a rare win and dented Aston Villa’s European aspirations by surviving for more than 30 minutes with ten men.
After seeing the incident on a pitchside monitor, United defender Phil Jagielka was sent off for a foul on Anwar El Ghazi, and referee Robert Jones changed the yellow card he had given him to a red.
Following being picked out by George Baldock following a lovely move that started inside the Blades’ half, David McGoldrick fired his side ahead inside the six-yard area.
Chris Wilder’s spirited side ended a four-match losing streak, but they remain 12 points from safety in the Premier League with 11 games remaining.
Villa’s Ollie Watkins hit the post just before Jagielka was sent off, but the visitors were unable to take advantage of the former Everton midfielder’s dismissal.
With a victory, Villa could have pushed three points closer to a Champions League spot, but they were bitterly disappointed.
Sheffield United 1 – 0 Aston Villa
Goals: 1-0 McGoldrick 30
Bookings: McGoldrick
Sent off: Jagielka
Sheffield United: Ramsdale, Ampadu, Jagielka, Bryan, Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens, McGoldrick, Brewster
Substitutions: Osborn, Burke, McBurnie
Aston Villa: Martinez, El Mohamady, Konsa, Mings, Targett, McGinn, Nakamba, Ramsey, Traore, Watkins, El Ghazi
Substitutions: Barkley, Sanson, Davis
