Championship: Sheffield United continue unbeaten start
Hull City 0 - 2 Sheffield United
Sheffield United extended their unbeaten start to the season with a strong performance, scoring twice on the counter-attack to hand Hull City their second consecutive Championship defeat, keeping the Tigers winless this season.
United. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/SArAPHazDT
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) September 14, 2024
The Blades took the lead when Callum O'Hare intercepted a pass from Hull's debutant Mohamed Belloumi, 30 yards from goal. O'Hare advanced unchallenged before setting up Gus Hamer, who coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
After the break, two United substitutes linked up for the second goal. The visitors cleared a Hull corner past the halfway line, where Andre Brooks cleverly backheeled the ball to Sam McCallum, who powered it into the net.
Hull had a chance to respond when Marvin Mehlem sent a free header crashing against the crossbar from six yards out, but that was as close as they came. Despite dominating possession and winning 16 corners, Tim Walter’s side failed to find a breakthrough.
Hull remain winless across their six league and cup games this season, while Sheffield United secured their third victory from five matches. The Blades have now equalled their total league wins from the entire 2023-24 season, when they finished bottom of the Premier League.
Chris Wilder’s revitalised side have been quick out of the blocks, scoring in the first 15 minutes of four of their five Championship games so far. Despite a two-point deduction, they’ve climbed to third place in the early standings.
Hull had tried to work a short corner down the left, but O'Hare pounced on Belloumi’s mistake and, moments later, Hamer netted his third goal of the season.
Before half-time, Blades keeper Michael Cooper made a smart save from Abdus Omur’s well-struck free-kick, but it was Sheffield United who continued to threaten, missing several good chances on the counter as Hull struggled with overplaying in dangerous areas.
After the break, Vini Souza’s close-range effort was well saved by Hull's Ivor Pandur, but the Croatian goalkeeper could do nothing to prevent United from doubling their lead. A Hull corner was cleared to Rhian Brewster near the halfway line, who set up Kieffer Moore. Moore shrugged off Liam Millar and linked up with Brooks, whose backheel teed up McCallum to score his first for the club.
Mehlem missed a golden opportunity to get Hull on the scoresheet from Lewie Coyle’s cross, leaving the Tigers with just two goals to their name this season.
