Sheffield United extended their unbeaten run in the Championship with a 1-0 victory over Swansea City at Bramall Lane, keeping the pressure on league leaders Sunderland.
Despite not being at their best in the first half, the Blades capitalised on a fortunate own goal from Josh Tymon just before the break, which was enough to secure all three points. The result sees Chris Wilder’s side move up to third, just two points off the top of the table.
The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Swansea, who came into the game on the back of a three-match unbeaten run, controlled possession early on and looked more assured on the ball, frustrating the home side and their supporters.
However, it was Sheffield United who created the first real opportunity of the match. Tyrese Campbell, who was linked with a move to Swansea in the summer before joining the Blades, fired a shot from the edge of the box in the 10th minute, forcing Swansea goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux into a solid save.
Swansea, known for their patient build-up play, continued to dominate possession but lacked penetration in the final third. Their best opportunity in the first half came from a deflected shot by Nathan Wood, which sailed just wide of the post, leaving the Sheffield United fans relieved.
Wilder’s side grew into the game as the half wore on and went close to breaking the deadlock after the half-hour mark. Jamie Shackleton’s deflected effort trickled wide, and from the resulting corner, Anel Ahmedhodžić narrowly missed the target with a header.
Just before half-time, Swansea were gifted a golden opportunity to take the lead. Brentford loanee Myles Peart-Harris found himself unmarked six yards from goal after being picked out by Ollie Cooper, but he scuffed his volley wide, to the disbelief of the travelling fans. Moments later, Sheffield United took the lead in a stroke of fortune. Harrison Burrows’ cross caused confusion in the Swansea defence, and Josh Tymon, under pressure, volleyed the ball into his own net, handing the Blades a crucial lead just before the break.
Sheffield United emerged after the restart with renewed energy, and they came close to doubling their advantage early in the second half. Tymon, looking to atone for his earlier error, was caught in possession by Andre Brooks, who forced Vigouroux into an excellent save. The rebound fell to Campbell, but his effort struck the crossbar as the home side piled on the pressure.
Swansea were struggling to cope with Sheffield United’s intensity, and Vigouroux was called into action again soon after, saving another shot from Brooks with his legs. The Blades, now in full control, continued to press for a second goal. Substitute Kieffer Moore almost made it 2-0, rattling the post with a powerful strike from just inside the box.
Former Swansea striker Rhian Brewster, introduced late on, had a chance to extend Sheffield United’s lead when he intercepted a loose header from Swansea captain Matt Grimes, but his shot flashed just wide of the post.
Swansea, despite their dominance in possession, rarely threatened in the second half. Their best chance came from a Grimes free-kick, which found Harry Darling in the box, but the centre-back’s header sailed harmlessly over the crossbar. Substitute Zan Vipotnik also missed a headed chance late on, as Swansea’s attack struggled to find the composure needed to break down the Blades’ defence.
In the end, Sheffield United’s improved second-half performance and their solid defensive display were enough to secure the victory. The result means that the Blades are now the only unbeaten team left in the Championship, sitting third in the table, just behind leaders Sunderland and second-placed Norwich City.
For Swansea, the defeat ended their three-game unbeaten run and dropped them to 12th in the standings. Despite dominating possession with 66.2%, they struggled to create meaningful chances, managing only one shot on target throughout the match.
Chris Wilder will be pleased with the resilience his side showed, especially after a difficult first half, as they continue to push for promotion. The Blades’ ability to grind out results, even when not at their best, could prove crucial as the season progresses. Sheffield United’s focus now will be on maintaining this momentum as they look to close the gap on Sunderland at the top, while Swansea will need to bounce back quickly after a frustrating evening in Sheffield.
