BIRMINGHAM - Aston Villa got their season up and running with a laboured 1-0 home win against 10-man Sheffield United on Monday as Ezri Konsa's second-half header proved enough to settle a dour game.
All eyes were on Villa's new record signing Ollie Watkins but it was defender Konsa, a former team mate of Watkins' at Brentford, and debutant goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez who earned their side three points. Sheffield United had defender John Egan sent off after 12 minutes for pulling back Watkins but wasted a great chance to take the lead before half-time when John Lundstrum's penalty was saved by Martinez, signed from Arsenal last week.
Even with an extra man Villa struggled to create chances against a well-organised United side, but Konsa's 63rd minute header ensured a positive start for Dean Smith's side who last season escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sadio the main Mane for Liverpool as Reds put down an early markerMane's double sees off 10-man Chelsea with easy 2-0 win
Source: BDliveSA - 🏆 12. / 63 Read more »
Man United need better defenders to win Premier League, says Gary NevilleUnited will never win the league with their centre-back pairing, former England international believes To what 🤭
Source: BDliveSA - 🏆 12. / 63 Read more »
Sadio Mane double eases Liverpool to 2-0 win over 10-man ChelseaSadio Mane scored twice as PremierLeague champions LFC claimed all three points from their Stamford Bridge clash against ChelseaFC. | IOLsport
Source: IOL - 🏆 46. / 51 Read more »
Source: News24 - 🏆 4. / 80 Read more »
Late Nketiah strike gives Arsenal win over West HamA late goal from substitute EddieNketiah9 gave Arsenal a 2-1 home win over WestHam in the PremierLeague after Michailantonio's first-half strike for the visitors had cancelled out LacazetteAlex's 50th goal for the Gunners IOLsport
Source: IOL - 🏆 46. / 51 Read more »
Quinton de Kock not keen on Proteas Test captaincy due to high workload.OfficialCSA coach markb46 has confirmed that limited-overs skipper QuinnyDeKock69 will not be considered for the Test captaincy | IOLsport
Source: IOL - 🏆 46. / 51 Read more »