Sunderland bolstered their automatic promotion ambitions with a thrilling victory over third-placed Sheffield United, who extended their winless streak to three games.
The visitors squandered an early opportunity to take the lead when Kieffer Moore’s poorly struck penalty was saved by Anthony Patterson.
Eliezer Mayenda capitalized on a defensive error to put the Black Cats ahead, but the lead was short-lived as Luke O’Nien’s own goal leveled the match. However, Wilson Isidor restored Sunderland’s advantage before halftime with a composed finish following a chaotic first half.
Despite dominating possession in the second half, Sheffield United failed to equalize, with Rhian Brewster missing a key chance and the home side surviving a tense goalmouth scramble in the closing moments.
The victory keeps Sunderland in fourth place, now just two points behind second-placed Burnley. Meanwhile, Sheffield United, who were three points clear at the top of the table during Christmas, now trail league leaders Leeds by three points.
Both teams entered the match seeking to regain momentum after underwhelming results over the holiday period. Earlier in the day, Leeds and Burnley’s draws had presented an opportunity for both Sunderland and Sheffield United to close the gap.
The game’s turning point came early when O’Nien conceded a penalty by pulling Moore’s shirt in the box. However, Moore’s penalty attempt was blocked by Patterson’s legs, sparing Sunderland from falling behind.
Sunderland opened the scoring when Jack Robinson miscontrolled a long pass, allowing Mayenda to pounce and finish confidently.
Sheffield United equalized moments later as Gus Hamer’s fierce cross ricocheted off O’Nien into the Sunderland net. But Sunderland quickly regained their lead when Sydie Peck lost possession in midfield, leading to Isidor’s clever run and precise finish past Anel Ahmedhodzic.
Chris Wilder’s men dominated possession in the second half but failed to convert their chances, while Mayenda missed an opportunity to secure the win by shooting directly at Michael Cooper.
This marks the first time Sheffield United have gone three games without a victory in the league since a six-match winless run in October 2022.
Sheffield United will aim to reverse their fortunes when they visit Watford on Saturday, while Sunderland hosts Portsmouth on Sunday.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle:
“It was a tough game. We played with a different style of play, with a compact block, because it was very important to control the way they play, especially through our lines.
“We knew we had the quick players to run in behind and threaten the space behind the defence, and I think we did very well in that part of the game.
“They pushed a lot and I think the spirit of the team was very good and very connected with the fans. We felt their energy in the stadium.
“It was a tight game until the end and we conceded a goal in the last minute in the last games and today we showed we are able to protect our goal.”
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield:
“Some poor goals to giveaway in terms of a couple of mistakes in there, which is uncharacteristic from our point of view, and we didn’t take the chance to get our noses in front early in the game.
“We just didn’t find that bit of quality that we should have found. It wasn’t for the want of trying, I thought the attitude of the team was good.
“The players went until the end and we all thought we’d take something from the game. I can’t be too critical of the players, they’re giving everything.
“It’s a tough period. It’s been an interesting day in the Championship, so we have to take it on the chin and move quickly forward.”