Aston Villa vs Sheffield United LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction

The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent.

This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years.

Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight.

Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.

Aston Villa FC 1 - 1 Sheffield United FC

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

22:08

Aston Villa and Sheffield United share the spoils with the game ending 1-1. The first half produced little action with the Midlands outfit dominating the possession but struggling to break the away team down. There were minimal talking points in the opening 45 minutes, but the game sparked into life after the break. Emery thought his side had opened the scoring after Bailey fired in Watkins' cross, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR check. The Villans kept pushing, but it was the Blades who broke the deadlock, with Archer pouncing in the box to score against his former club. It looked as though Wilder's men had won it late on, but a Zaniolo header deep into stoppage time levelled the scoring. Villa will travel to Manchester United on Boxing Day as they look to go top of the Premier League table. Up next for Sheffield United, they will host fellow strugglers Luton Town at Bramall Lane. That's all for today, goodbye!

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

22:01

FULL-TIME: ASTON VILLA 1-1 SHEFFIELD UNITED

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:59

Yellow Card Matthew Stuart Cash

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:58

Yellow Card Auston Levi-Jesaiah Trusty

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:57

Assist Douglas Luiz Soares de Paulo

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:56

Goal Nicolò Zaniolo

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:56

Villa are struggling to find a breakthrough in the final few minutes of the game. Emery's side are passing it back and forth inside the Sheffield United half, but the lack of creativity will be a major concern for the Midlands outfit. To their credit, Wilder's men have defended superbly.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:54

Yellow Card Nicolò Zaniolo

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:51

The fourth official indicated just a few moments ago that there would be a minimum of nine minutes of added time at the end of the game. There has been a host of VAR checks, so it's certainly not surprising.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:50

Villa are heavily pushing for an equaliser after the goal from United has sparked them into life. A delivery is deep towards the back post from Zaniolo and Moreno finds himself unmarked before powering a header towards goal, but Foderingham makes a superb stop to deny him.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:50

Substitution Cameron Desmond Archer Oliver Robert McBurnie

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:47

Assist Gustavo Martin Emilio Hamer

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:47

VAR is now called into action once again. The are checking whether Duran should be sent off after an altercation with Robinson. After a short delay, the referee waves play on.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:46

Goal Cameron Desmond Archer

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:44

Sheffield United have started to grow into the game in the second half and are beginning to show a little more attacking intent, causing Villa some problems. Emery will be incredibly disappointed with the lack of chances his team have created. The Villans have managed just two shots since the break.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:41

So close! The ball comes to Lowe on the left-hand side after some good work from McAtee. He fires a delivery low and hard into the penalty area, and Konsa swings a leg at it. It looks as though it's flying towards the top corner, but it whistles past the post and out for a corner. The Villa fans breathe a sigh of relief!

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:40

Substitution Leon Patrick Bailey Butler Nicolò Zaniolo

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:38

Duran gives the ball away and Lowe carries it into the Villa half. It's switched out wide to Hamer who stays patient, waiting for his team-mates to arrive. He lays it into the path of Norwood on the edge of the box and he strikes it first time towards the top corner, but Martinez dives across his goal and holds. That was Sheffield United's first shot of the game.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:35

Substitution Anis Ben Slimane James John McAtee

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:33

Villa are now appealing for a penalty once again. The ball bounces in the box and Baldock swings his arm towards it. VAR are now checking whether a penalty should be awarded! Check complete... NOT GIVEN! The referee waves play on. It appeared to come off his shoulder.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:32

Substitution Lucas Digne Alexandre Moreno Lopera

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:32

Substitution Moussa Diaby Jhon Jader Durán Palacio

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:31

Villa have an opportunity from a free-kick as Luiz sends a cross into the box. It's headed away and the Blades clear the danger. Emery's side are trying everything to find a goal in the second half, but Wilder's men are defending superbly and frustrating the Midlands outfit.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:28

Bogle goes into the book for a strong challenge on Ramsey near the halfway line.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:28

Bailey finds the run of Watkins who cuts inside and waits for a team-mate. He plays the ball into the path of Diaby who looks to dance through the opposition defenders, but it deflects behind for a corner. McGinn is there to take and he delivers towards the back post, but Konsa can't quite get there.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:23

NO GOAL! Bailey's finish has been disallowed. Ramsey was adjudged to have held onto the arm of Foderingham in the build-up to the goal. After a short delay, the referee headed to his monitor after guidance from VAR, and it won't count! Still 0-0.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:22

GOOOOOAAAALLL!! 1-0 ASTON VILLA!! The Midlands outfit finally making their dominance pay! Baldock fails to clear from a corner and Watkins pounces, playing a one-two with Ramsey. Watkins then fires a cross towards the back post where Bailey is waiting, and he slams the ball into the back of the net! But wait... VAR are checking it!

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:18

Assist Oliver George Arthur Watkins

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:17

Substitution Andre Chance Brooks Gustavo Martin Emilio Hamer

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:17

Villa are enjoying plenty of possession in the second half but are finding it incredibly difficult to break the Blades down. Emery's side need to show a little more creativity in the final third, and they're growing increasingly frustrated with their lack of chances since the break.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:17

Substitution Yasser Larouci Max Josef Lowe

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:14

Luiz carries the ball through midfield and feeds it out wide to Cash on the right-hand side. The Villa right-back tries to find the run of Bailey who has burst beyond the opposition defence, but it dribbles straight into the arms of Foderingham and United are able to clear the danger. Emery's side are lacking ideas at the moment.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:10

Yellow Card Yasser Larouci

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:08

Yellow Card Leon Patrick Bailey Butler

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:07

Villa have a throw-in deep inside the opposition half, which is worked into the middle to McGinn. He shifts it to his right to Cash who finds Diaby, and Emery's side remain patient keeping possession. It eventually comes to Lenglet who clips the ball over the top after spotting the run of Digne, but his cross deflects behind for a corner.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:05

Diaby gets the second half under way for Aston Villa at Villa Park!

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

21:01

Villa have enjoyed plenty of the ball so far, managing to have 78.2 per cent of the possession. However, they have been unable to turn their dominance into creating any clear-cut chances, producing just 0.44 expected goals (xG) since the game got under way. Wilder's side are yet to attempt a shot on goal, so they will have to show a little more attacking intent if they want to snatch a winner in the second half. Emery might be considering switching things up in the final third shortly after the break - could Zaniolo be the man to help them open the scoring?

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:58

Aston Villa and Sheffield United go into the break at 0-0. It's been a game with very few talking points so far as Emery's side have grown increasingly frustrated as the game has gone on. The Blades are sitting deep and absorbing the pressure, looking to hit Villa on the break. The hosts might feel they should have had a penalty in the opening 45 minutes, with VAR called into action on multiple occasions, but the referee is yet to point to the spot. The Midlands outfit will need to show a little more creativity in the second half if they want to break the deadlock.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:49

HALF-TIME: ASTON VILLA 0-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:47

The fourth official has indicated that there will be a minimum of two minutes of added time at the end of the first half.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:47

McGinn tries to find the run of Watkins in behind the Blades' defence, but Robinson is there to snuff out the danger. Wilder's side now look to break, but Cash makes a foul and United now have a chance to throw some bodies forward from a free-kick. Foderingham goes long, but nothing comes of it and Villa regain possession.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:43

Once again, Villa try and create an overload on the right-hand side, with Diaby hugging the touchline before finding the overlapping run of Cash. The Polish right-back carries the ball into the box and looks to cut it back for a team-mate, but Sheffield United are able to clear the danger. Emery's side are lacking that cutting edge at the moment.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:42

Villa have managed to touch the ball inside their opponent's box 18 times since the game got underway. However, Emery's side have tested Foderingham between the sticks just once, so the Villans need to show a little more creativity in the final third if they want to open the scoring.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:39

Emery's men are appealing for a penalty once again! McGinn receives the ball in midfield and fires a pass into the path of Watkins inside the penalty area. The Villa striker takes a touch and falls to the ground, with Baldock challenging behind him. However, the referee waves play on. The Villa Park faithful aren't happy!

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:37

Diaby has drifted out wide and looks to get one-on-one with Trusty on the right-hand side. He dances past his marker and makes his way into the penalty area, before cutting back onto his left and clipping a cross towards the back post, but the Blades are able to head it away from danger.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:34

Ramsey finds Watkins who slows the play down and waits for his team-mates. He lays it into the path of Luiz who strikes it and it deflects out wide to McGinn. The Villa midfielder tries to deliver into the box, but it cannons off a defender and out for a corner. McGinn will take... but it comes to nothing.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:32

Villa have a corner after some good work by McGinn, who is standing over it ready to deliver. He whips it towards the back post and Lenglet is there to nod it down into the path of Watkins. The English striker takes a wild swing at it in and around the penalty spot, but he sends his strike flying over the bar. He was slightly off balance, so it wasn't a simple chance.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:31

The Blades have managed to complete just 50 per cent of their passes in the first half so far. Wilder will need to get his side to look after the ball better, with Sheffield United surrendering possession regularly, giving Villa plenty of chances to attack.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:27

Norwood makes a heavy, unnecessary challenge on Luiz in the middle of the pitch and the referee awards a free-kick. He'll certainly consider himself fortunate not to have had his name taken for a booking. The Brazilian midfielder looks in a bit of discomfort, but shortly after, he's back on his feet.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:25

Brooks dispossesses Cash deep inside the Aston Villa half and the hosts are in trouble. The Sheffield United attacker tries to find a team-mate in the box, but his cross is poor and Villa regain possession. The Blades will need to make the most of these little opportunities if they want to get something out of this game.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:24

Bailey receives out wide and Cash bursts down the right-hand side on the overlap. The Villa right-back is found and looks to deliver into the box, but it's deflected behind for a corner. McGinn is there to take and sends a deep cross towards the back post. Konsa comes flying out of nowhere, but he can't guide his header on target and it flies behind.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:23

This time Villa look to attack down the left as Digne and Watkins link up well, but the latter loses possession and the Blades are able to clear. Emery's side have predominantly looked to get at their opponents on the right-hand side with Bailey and Cash, while Diaby has also drifted wide to create an overload.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:20

Chance! Villa look to break down the right-hand side with Bailey, who spots the run of Diaby inside the box, laying the ball into his path. The French international shoots immediately, looking to catch Foderingham out, but the Sheffield United goalkeeper makes a smart stop to deny him. Wilder's side allowed Bailey far too much room to create on the right.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:17

Villa have dominated the early proceedings, attempting 102 passes to Sheffield United's 19. The Villans have had 84.1 per cent of the possession with two shots and might consider themselves slightly unfortunate not to have had a penalty. Wilder's side appear happy to sit back and try and absorb the pressure.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:14

After a short delay, the referee has waved play on and there will be no penalty. Instead, the Villans have a corner. It's delivered into the box and once again, a Villa player goes to the ground. This time it's Konsa at the back post, and VAR are checking for yet another potential penalty!

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:13

Villa work the ball well on the left and Ramsey finds the run of Digne who drives into the penalty area. He clips it towards the back post and Watkins falls to the ground after colliding with Souza. The Villa supporters want a penalty, and VAR are now checking it!

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:10

A switched ball finds Bailey and he looks to take on Trusty. The Jamaican winger cuts in on his left and drives into the box, before spotting Diaby on the overlap. He takes a touch and sends a low cross into the penalty area, but the assistant referee has his flag up for offside and Wilder's men have a free-kick.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:07

McGinn receives a pass in the middle of the pitch and wastes no time trying to find Watkins in behind the defensive line. The Scottish midfielder slightly overhits it and Foderingham rushes off his line to collect. It's unlikely to be the only time the Villa striker looks to make that run, using his pace to his benefit.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:05

Diaby produces a neat turn just outside the penalty area, and Trusty brings him down. The referee awards a free-kick, and it's a matter of inches outside of the box. Luiz and Digne are standing over it and the former lays it off for the latter, but his whipped shot goes high and wide and out for a goal-kick. A wasted opportunity there.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:02

Archer gets the game under way for Sheffield United at Villa Park!

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

20:01

The players are making their way out onto the pitch ahead of kick-off.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

19:53

Meanwhile, Wilder has made five alterations from the Blades’ 2-0 defeat away to Chelsea in the Premier League. Anel Ahmedhodzic has failed to make the matchday squad after starting in their last fixture. Robinson comes in to replace him at the back. On the left-hand side of defence, Larouci is named in the XI with Lowe dropping to the bench. Elsewhere, Hamer, McBurnie, and McAtee all among the substitutes, with Baldock, Norwood, and Slimane coming in.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

19:49

Emery has made four changes from Villa’s victory over Brentford last time out. In defence, Digne and Lenglet come into the side, with Diego Carlos and Pau Torres dropping out. Boubacar Kamara also misses out due to suspension, while Moreno drops to the bench, with Luiz and Bailey earning a place in the starting XI.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

19:49

SHEFFIELD UNITED SUBS: Adam Davies, John Fleck, Gustavo Hamer, Max Lowe, James McAtee, Oliver McBurnie, Ben Osborn, Luke Thomas, Benie Traore.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

19:49

SHEFFIELD UNITED (5-3-2): Wes Foderingham; Yasser Larouci, Jack Robinson, Auston Trusty, George Baldock, Jayden Bogle; Oliver Norwood, Anis Ben Slimane, Vinicius Souza; Andre Brooks, Cameron Archer.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

19:41

ASTON VILLA SUBS: Diego Carlos, Alex Moreno, Calum Chambers, Nicolo Zaniolo, Jhon Duran, Leander Dendoncker, Filip Marschall, Tim Iroegbunam, Tommi O’Reilly.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

19:37

ASTON VILLA (4-4-1-1): Emiliano Martinez; Lucas Digne, Clement Lenglet, Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash; John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey, Leon Bailey; Moussa Diaby; Ollie Watkins.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

19:37

Sheffield United head to Villa Park in search of their first victory away from home in the Premier League this season. The Blades have endured a difficult start to life back in England’s top flight, and have won just once in their last six matches (D1 L4). Chris Wilder was recently appointed as manager and the Yorkshire side will be desperate to see the experienced boss turn things around, and a victory away to Emery’s men could see them climb off the bottom of the table and into 18th.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

19:37

Villa host Sheffield United in a game where they will be hoping to continue their sensational run of form at home. The Midlands club have won each of their last 15 Premier League home games, which is the longest run in their league history. Unai Emery’s side have also had plenty of joy against today’s opponents and are unbeaten in their last 14 home league games against the newly-promoted outfit (W8 D6). A win would see Villa climb to the top of the Premier League table, even if temporarily, with Liverpool and Arsenal set to face each other this weekend.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

19:33

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Premier League fixture between Aston Villa and Sheffield United at Villa Park.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

19:00

Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

19:30

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.