With a 3-1 victory at Bramall Lane, Sheffield United easily defeated Coventry, who were vying for a spot in the playoffs, and returned to the top of the Championship.
Tyrese Campbell gave the Blades a 2-0 lead at halftime, and Rhian Brewster scored a game-winning third goal after Gus Hamer opened the scoring with an incredible free kick against his old team.
Coventry’s 10th victory in their previous 13 league games came thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Jack Rudoni. The Blades now lead second-place Yorkshire rivals Leeds by three points, who will host Swansea on Saturday.
Coventry had stepped up their bid for a top-six finish under Frank Lampard by winning 10 of their previous 12 league games, but they rarely troubled their hosts. The Blades created the first scoring opportunity, with Brewster’s goalbound effort well blocked by Jake Bidwell. Coventry enjoyed more early possession, but the home team produced the first moment of quality to take the lead in the 19th minute. The Blades also increased the pressure on Burnley, moving five points clear of their other automatic promotion contenders, who also play on Saturday, at Turf Moor.
After being pulled down by Coventry defender Bobby Thomas 25 yards from goal, Hamer got back up and curled his free kick over the wall and into the upper left corner of visiting custodian Oliver Dovin’s net. After leaving Coventry for Bramall Lane in August 2023, Hamer’s celebrations were subdued, but it was his ninth league goal of the season.
In the 30th minute, United increased their lead. Femi Seriki and Hamza Choudhury teamed up down the right, and Campbell skilfully turned home the latter’s low, drilled cross for his tenth league goal of the year.
Before the break, Dovin was taken off on a stretcher after Campbell challenged him, dealing Coventry even another setback. Brad Collins took Dovin’s place after the Blades were denied a third goal in first-half stoppage time due to Collins’ incredible reaction save from Campbell’s header.
Coventry had a new purpose as the second period began. Michael Cooper, the home goalie, stopped Haji Wright’s low drive and Victor Torp’s flick, the visitors’ first attempt on goal.
After the half, United’s first opportunity increased their lead. In the 62nd minute, Brewster scored the crucial third goal after Ben Brereton Díaz’s drive into the area dispersed Coventry’s rearguard.
Callum O’Hare, a Blades replacement, almost missed his goal against his old team, whilst Sydie Peck and Choudhury had more obvious opportunities.
Choudhury stopped Ben Sheaf’s thunderous attempt, and Ellis Simms, another substitute, headed inches wide before Rudoni volleyed home for the visitors after a corner in extra time.
