Sunderland vs Sheffield United: Championship stats & head-to-head

Sunderland boosted their own automatic promotion hopes with an entertaining win over third-placed Sheffield United, who are now winless in three.

The visitors wasted a great chance to open the scoring when Kieffer Moore’s mis-hit penalty kick was saved by Anthony Patterson in the home goal.

Eliezer Mayenda then put the Black Cats ahead after a defensive error before Luke O’Nien headed into his own net to level the scores, but Wilson Isidor slid a cool finish in to allow the home side to end a chaotic first half in the lead.

The Blades had more of the play after the break but were unable to find a leveller as Rhian Brewster shot wide and the home side survived a late goalmouth scramble.

The result means Sunderland remain fourth but are now only two points behind second-placed Burnley, while United, who went into Christmas three points clear at the top of the table, are three points behind table-toppers Leeds.

More to follow.