David McGoldrick’s first-half goal was enough for 10-man Sheffield United to earn a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Bramall Lane.
Villa had the better of the early play, with John McGinn and Ollie Watkins both going close before Sheff Utd took the lead.
On 30 minutes, George Baldock fired in a shot that was heading off target, before McGoldrick stretched to divert it in off the underside of the crossbar.
The visitors pressed for an equaliser that almost came on 54 minutes, but Watkins’ header hit the join of the crossbar and post.
A minute later, Phil Jagielka was initially shown a yellow card for bringing down Anwar El Ghazi, which was upgraded to a red after consultation with the Video Assistant Referee.
But Sheff Utd held on for their fourth win of the campaign that leaves them bottom on 14 points, 12 adrift of safety.
Villa drop down to ninth on 39 points.