Aston Villa returned to winning ways yesterday with a 0-5 win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Villa’s performances haven’t been the best for a little while but the results kept coming until Tuesday night when they were blown away by Newcastle United.
The defeat had been coming but it might prove to be a blessing in disguise. I was hoping it would be the kick up the backside that the team required and based on yesterday’s performance, it may just be.
Yes, I know it was against the bottom of the league but you can only beat what is in front of you and this is a side who somehow left Villa Park a few weeks ago with a point.
Report: Sheffield United 0-5 Aston Villa
Unai Emery made a couple of changes to his side as Diego Carlos returned to the starting line-up as Matty Cash dropped to the bench. The in-form Leon Bailey replaced Moussa Diaby who also had to settle for a spot on the bench. New Signing Morgan Rodgers was named among the substitutions.
It took the visitors just 12 minutes to break the deadlock when Douglas Luiz released Ollie Watkins who chipped Sheffield United keeper Wes Foderingham, his effort rebounded off the bar but John McGinn was quickest to react and put the ball into an empty net.
Watkins was at the top of his game and he was soon rewarded with the goal he deserved four minutes later. Once again Luiz linked up with the striker with a stunning outside-of-the-foot pass to split United’s backline and Watkins found the far left-hand corner to make it 0-2.
Watkins then turned into a provider when he slipped Bailey through, he drove into the box before cutting in onto his left foot and curling the ball into the back of the net.
Just before the half-hour mark, it was four! The ball fell to Youri Tielemans from a corner who hammered the ball off the woodwork and into the back of the net.
The game was all but over by the halftime point as the home ends emptied as fans left the stadium. I imagine Chris Wilder handed his side the hairdryer treatment while Emery would have wanted more from his side. Jacob Ramsey replaced an ill Luiz for the second half.
It took Villa just 90 seconds to find the net again following the restart. Once again Watkins was involved when his cross found Àlex Moreno who volleyed past a hopeless Foderingham.
A clean sheet was then the priority for Emery’s side and they had VAR to thank after Vinícius Souza headed past Emiliano Martínez but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Sheffield United look destined to return to the Championship next season as they are now 10 points from safety. Only a small miracle will turn their fortunes around from here.
What the managers said
Emery: “We reacted very well after the match we played on Tuesday. We were focused.
“We controlled the game and were clinical. We were feeling comfortable and stronger.”
Wilder: “It was tough for our 30,000 Sheffield United supporters – it wasn’t good enough. Myself and my players have got to accept that responsibility. We have got well and truly took to the cleaners – 4-0 down after 30 minutes, there was never a chance of us getting back into the game.
“They were clinical in taking their chances but we were open and I have to accept that responsibility in terms of the way the team was set up. We have to take our medicine. This is what the Premier League is about, this is what it can do to you.”
Up Next
Aston Villa are back in action on Wednesday when Chelsea are the visitors to Villa Park in the FA Cup replay. Villa return to Premier League action next Sunday when Manchester United come to town.
Sheffield United will travel to Luton Town in the Premier League next Saturday.
