Wilder Delighted With Sheffield United’s “Controlled and Dominant” Display | OneFootball

Sheffield United kicked off 2026 in emphatic style, producing a commanding display to sweep aside Leicester City 3-1 at Bramall Lane and underline their growing momentum under Chris Wilder.

From the opening whistle, United were on the front foot and set the tone early. Patrick Bamford almost delivered the perfect start when he met an early cross on the volley, forcing Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk into a sharp reflex save.

That chance proved to be an early warning as the Blades continued to press aggressively, with Andre Brooks emerging as a constant thorn in Leicester’s side down the right. Brooks’ direct running and confidence on the ball carved out two early opportunities for Bamford as the visitors struggled to find any rhythm.

The pressure finally told in the 36th minute, and the breakthrough was fully deserved. Sam McCallum delivered a wicked inswinging corner, and Japhet Tanganga timed his movement superbly, rising above former Blade Luke Thomas to power a header beyond the helpless Stolarczyk and send Bramall Lane into celebration.

United picked up exactly where they left off after the interval and doubled their lead soon after the restart. Brooks once again demonstrated his determination, outmuscling Thomas before cutting the ball back intelligently for Tom Cannon. The striker made no mistake, drilling a low finish past Stolarczyk in front of the Kop to cap off another incisive attacking move.

Leicester offered little in response, with United always looking the more likely to add to their tally. After Djibril Soumaré diverted one effort wide, the third goal duly arrived. Callum O’Hare was the man to finish it, finding the net after Femi Seriki’s assist, which itself owed much to a perfectly weighted pass from Oliver Arblaster. It was a move that encapsulated United’s composure, energy and control throughout the afternoon.

The visitors did manage a late consolation in the second minute of stoppage time when substitute Jordan Ayew teed up Jordan James, whose effort beat Michael Cooper via a slight deflection. It was a rare blemish on an otherwise near-flawless home performance and did little to alter the overall narrative of United’s dominance.

Chris Wilder Delighted With “Dominant Performance”

After the match, Chris Wilder was understandably delighted with both the performance and the result.

“It was a really dominant performance against a top group of players,” the Blades boss said on SUTV. “I’m a touch disappointed because Michael deserved a clean sheet and he’s been beaten by a deflection late on, but our xG [conceded] was the lowest of the season and that shows how we controlled the game against quality opposition.

“The substitutes came on and picked up from where the others had left off. The intensity of our performance and not allowing good players the chance to play was key. I was looking to my left a lot in the first half and to my right a lot in the second, which shows the level of performance across the pitch.

“We’ve scored from set plays and open play recently, I’m not bothered how we get the goals. We created good chances and everyone was a seven or eight, with a couple of nines.”

Sheffield United Striker Impresses Boss

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Tom Cannon of Sheffield United celebrates scoring Sheffield United’s second goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Leicester City at Bramall Lane on January 01, 2026 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Harriet Massey/Getty Images)

Wilder also reserved special praise for goalscorer Tom Cannon, highlighting the striker’s perseverance. “It’s been difficult for the young man,” he admitted. “He came into a really strong group and had a good start, then picked up an injury and it was a struggle. But there’s a player there, everyone in the division was after him and we won the race.

“I’ve said to him you have to take the rough with the smooth. I’m proud of how he’s fought his way back because he could easily have gone out on loan or said it hadn’t worked here. He’s never once said that. He wants to be a success at Sheffield United, and that says a lot about him.”

The Blades have a chance to make it three wins from three when they host bottom three side Oxford United on Sunday afternoon.