Aston Villa fans have criticised Jack Grealish for taking the penalty that the club were awarded against Sheffield United.

The 24-year-old stepped up with his side 2-0 down against Sheffield United.

However, he slammed the ball against the crossbar before it rolled out of play, with Villa going on to suffer a potentially harmful defeat. They remain in the relegation zone due to their loss.

And supporters have questioned why he took the kick from 12 yards, with a number suggesting an alternative taker, such as Jonathan Kodija.

Thus far this season, Grealish has made 14 appearances in the Premier League, scoring four goals and providing four assists.

And a number of supporters are standing by him despite his miss from 12 yards and his poor display overall.

Per WhoScored, he did not complete a dribble throughout the 90 minutes, nor did he manage to have a shot on target or win a tackle.

Villa have a number of big games coming up against those teams around him; they face Southampton, Norwich City and Watford prior to the turn of the year.

Red Herring or Real Hero: Only hardcore Villa fans will get all of them right....

Grealish, then, has to step up, regardless of the love shown to him by Villa fans.

Meanwhile, one Villa move could have consequences for Grealish