Sheffield United took a significant step toward Premier League promotion by securing a 3-0 win over Bristol City on Monday to book their place in the Championship play-off final.
After being relegated from the Premier League last season, Chris Wilder’s side triumphed 6-0 on aggregate following their dominant performance at Bramall Lane. Kieffer Moore scored the opener, his first goal since December, in the first half.
Gustavo Hamer, the Championship Player of the Year, and Callum O’Hare added goals after the break, sealing the comprehensive win. Sheffield United now await the winner of the semi-final between Sunderland and Coventry, with Sunderland holding a 2-1 advantage heading into their second-leg clash on Tuesday.
This marks an important moment in Wilder’s second stint at the club. After leading Sheffield United to the Premier League in 2019, he is now aiming to end their play-off curse. The Blades have failed to gain promotion through the play-offs in nine previous attempts, the worst record in English football.
United’s 3-0 victory in the first leg at Ashton Gate was built on a controversial sending-off for City’s Rob Dickie. In the second leg, City failed to mount a comeback despite early pressure, with Moore’s header, Hamer’s deflected shot, and O’Hare’s late strike confirming Sheffield United’s dominance.
The Blades are determined to join Leeds and Burnley in returning to the Premier League after being relegated last season.
