Crystal Palace are still searching for their first Premier League win of the season after they were edged by Sheffield United in a heated affair.

In the first meeting between the two clubs for nearly nine years, John Lundstram’s strike shortly into the second-half would prove to be the only goal of the game.

Despite loud cheers at full-time for the Blades’ first Premier League win since 2006, there were several flashpoints in the game – including a non-VAR decision that drew anger from fans.

Palace have just a point from their opening two league games after they drew 0-0 with Everton on opening weekend at Selhurst Park.

Their clash with United was the first between the two clubs in the Premier League since the inaugural 1992/93 season more than a quarter-century ago.

Jordan Ayew was dropped to the bench as Wilfred Zaha made his first league start this season since returning from the African Cup of Nations.

The Ivory Coast star, who had courted major interest from clubs such as Everton during the summer, came off the bench against them in the 0-0 draw on opening weekend.

There were places on the substitutes’ bench for former England international Gary Cahill, a free transfer signing after leaving Chelsea, James McCarthy and Victor Camarasa.

United, playing their first Premier League game at Bramall Lane since 2006, had the better chances but lacked the clinical edge to put them away.

After Christian Benteke went close, Jack O’Connell twice got on the end of George Baldock’s crosses before Lundstram steered an effort wide from range.

The south Yorkshire clash increasingly became a feisty affair in front of a raucous Bramall Lane crowd, particularly with United fans feeling aggrieved by some refereeing decisions by David Coote.

They would become incensed with both him and VAR when appeals for a penalty were dismissed by officials. Enda Stevens was certain Joel Ward handballed his shot in the box.

Their best chance arrived shortly before the break when David McGoldrick scuppered a great chance just yards from Vicente Guaita’s goal. The striker failed to connect properly with Lundstram’s cross.

Despite Palace making inroads into the opposition half, they failed to test Dean Henderson enough and would find themselves behind just minutes after half-time.

Substitute Luke Freeman, who replaced John Fleck in the first-half, forced Guaita to parry his driven effort to the back post before Lundstram put away the rebound on 47 minutes.

The Blades took firm control of the second-half and, despite a second appeal for handball being dismissed, they kept their foot firmly on the gas.

After Henderson denied Andros Townsend, Guaita saw off O’Connell at close-range before substitute and club-record signing Oliver McBurnie headed over from a corner.

There was no shortage of controversy in the second-half, either. Substitute McCarthy got into with George Baldock and Mr Coote ignored a potential high foot on Ward.

Palace pushed for the equaliser during the seven minutes of injury time but their efforts proved to be unsuccessful.