Dean Smith felt his Aston Villa side were worthy winners against Sheffield United as they started their Premier League campaign with all three points.

Ezri Konsa’s second-half header proved the difference against the Blades, settling an action-packed encounter which Villa dominated from the early stages on home soil.

It came after United skipper John Egan was sent off with just 12 minutes on the clock for denying a goalscoring opportunity, holding back Ollie Watkins, while debutant Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez saved a first-half penalty from John Lundstram.

“I thought we were worthy winners,” head coach Smith told VillaTV post-match.

“We started the game really well, 11 v 11, obviously John Egan got sent off and they decide to bank in then.

“We had loads and loads of possession and a couple of opportunities but never really created clear-cut chances.

“They defended for their lives really well, which is what they’re renowned for.

“We decided to go two up top and we scored right from that corner.

“We’ve been really diligent in our set-pieces, not only offensively but defensively as well.

“Working on Tyrone getting across the front, he flicks it on and it was a good header from Ezri, who I thought was outstanding.”

You can watch Dean’s full interview below.

Smith: We were worthy winners