Wednesday may have started the game better, coming close to taking the lead in the first half when Michael Smith’s header was blocked by a superb save from Michael Cooper.
The Blades took the lead in the 64th minute when Tyrese Campbell’s cross was deflected into the path of Rhian Brewster, who tapped home from close range. The Owls kept up the threat after the interval, and Harrison Burrows made a vital block to deny Josh Windass.
Marvin Johnson and Svante Ingelsson both came close to equalising as Wednesday applied more pressure in the closing minutes, but United managed to hold on and defeat their fierce rivals for the first time since the 2005–06 campaign.
More significantly, the win put Chris Wilder’s team back in the running for automatic promotion, putting them two points ahead of Burnley in third position and tied with leaders Leeds United.
Sydie Peck criticises Sheffield Wednesday following Steel City’s victory in the derby.
After Ollie Arblaster suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 1-0 win over Wednesday in the reverse fixture at Bramall Lane in November, Peck has stepped up to become a crucial part of the United midfield, providing two assists in 36 appearances this season.
With Vinicius Souza also unavailable for the game at Hillsborough, Peck put in another impressive performance alongside Hamza Choudhury, and after his side’s victory, he could not resist making a dig at the Owls on social media.
Posting a photo of himself celebrating with match-winner Brewster, Peck wrote on Instagram: “Quick question Blades, who put the ball in the Wednesday net?”
The more eagle-eyed Blades supporters will also have noticed that Peck changed the location of his post to “Brewster High School”, and it was clearly appreciated by the striker, who commented with a two-emoji response: “❤️”
Peck is not the only United figure to rub salt into Wednesday’s wounds after their Steel City derby defeat, and it was perhaps Wilder who made the most mischievous comments, claiming that his side had ended the Owls’ play-off hopes.
“We’re here to win and we’ve won another tight Sheffield derby, it hasn’t been luck, it hasn’t been fortune. We win games of football. We’re on 82 points (deduction-aside) after 38 games. Sheffield Wednesday are on 51, their season’s done. Ours is still alive,” Wilder told The Star.
“Those supporters that had bets with Sheffield Wednesday fans in the summer about who will finish higher, I hope they’ve cashed in and enjoy their winnings.”
Steel City derby double will boost Sheffield United promotion charge
