(Football news) On Tuesday, the Blades lost 3-2 away at Crystal Palace, while Villa defeated Newcastle United 3-1 at home that same evening. 

Ben Brereton Diaz, a January addition to Sheffield United, scored the first goal in just 20 seconds to give the Blades the perfect start against Palace. The Chilean international, who also scored in his debut match against West Ham United last week, is only the second player to score in both of his first two Premier League games for the team after Brian Deane did so back in 1992.

Following two goals from Palace star Eberechi Eze, James McAtee found the back of the net during a hectic first half-hour. However, Sheffield United’s season ended in defeat as Michael Olise’s goal on the 67th minute proved to be the game’s winner, condemning the visitors to their 16th league loss of the year.

After the game, Chris Wilder was not overly critical of his team and admitted that Eze and Olise’s “individual brilliance” could “destroy your game plan.” Despite this, the Blades are still at the bottom of the table and are eight points out of safety, which puts them in danger of losing the Championship right away.

A potentially pivotal trip to Luton Town is on the horizon for Sheffield United, but they must first turn their attention to Saturday’s clash with Villa, a side who the Blades have beaten in each of their last three home meetings by an aggregate score of 7-1.

Wilder’s fourth game in charge after returning to the club for a second stint in the dugout was against Villa in the reverse fixture on December 22, when his side came away with a respectable point following a 1-1 draw. However, Cameron Archer’s 87th-minute strike – which seemed to be the winner – was cancelled out by a 97th-minute equaliser by Nicolo Zaniolo. 

Following three successive away games to kick-start the New Year, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side were welcomed back to Villa Park with an elaborate fireworks display before kickoff for their first home fixture of 2024, but there was no sparkle from the hosts on the pitch as a clinical Newcastle outfit put them to the sword 3-1.

A first-half brace from Fabian Schar was followed by an Alex Moreno own goal seven minutes after the break to put the Magpies three goals to the good. Ollie Watkins then pulled one back with 20 minutes remaining, but Villa failed to make their dominance in possession pay as they were condemned to their first home league defeat since February last year.

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