Sheffield United Stuck in the Mud: A Rough Ride at the Bottom
Aston Villa totally smashed Sheffield United, climbing back into the Premier League's top four with a massive win that keeps the Blades stuck at the very bottom.
Unai Emery's crew totally owned the game from the get-go, slamming in four goals in just the first half hour at Bramall Lane—thanks to John McGinn, Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey, and Youri Tielemans—before Alex Moreno topped it off with another after halftime.
McGinn kicked things off 12 minutes in by knocking one into an empty net after the Blades' captain Anel Ahmedhodzic barely saved Watkins' shot from scoring—though Watkins got his moment soon after, nailing one into the corner off a slick pass from Douglas Luiz.
The home team was panicking when Bailey whipped in a gorgeous third goal in under 20 minutes, making some fans dip out early.
Villa wasn't done and cranked up the pressure. Tielemans, right after having a shot blocked, blasted one from outside the box to bring it to 4-0, leaving even more seats empty.
The fans that stuck around weren't happy, booing at halftime, and things didn't get better when Moreno volleyed in a fifth goal just a bit after the second half started.
Even with Villa pushing for more and Sheffield trying to salvage some pride, the game ended with Villa snagging a crucial win to tie up with the top teams, though they've played more games.
For Sheffield United, sitting 10 points away from safety, things are looking pretty bleak.
Villa finally broke a 30-year curse at Sheffield, landing a win that's been overdue since 1994. Despite a rocky run recently, Emery's squad is still in the mix for a Champions League spot, bouncing back strong after a loss to Newcastle.
Watkins is killing it, aiming for a spot in England's squad with goals and assists that put him at the top of the league's stats. Bailey and the rest of the team were on fire, slicing through Sheffield's defense like butter and rounding off with a win that's their biggest on the road since 2008.
On the flip side, Sheffield United got totally outplayed and looks like they're heading straight back to the Championship. History's not on their side, with teams in their position usually dropping down a league.
The Blades are in dire need of a turnaround but instead took a huge hit in confidence with this defeat. They've barely won this season, their defense is leaking goals, and the fans are clearly fed up.
With Wilder back in charge, they're hoping for a miracle to avoid relegation, especially with a critical match against Luton Town coming up. United are now 1/66 to get relegated.
Latest Odds
Premier League Champions
Aston Villa - 100/1
Premier League Top 4
Aston Villa - 4/5
Premier League Relegation
Sheffield United - 1/66