Chris Wilder: “We’re in a Great Position” as Sheffield United Remain Top at Christmas With Another Win & Clean Sheet | OneFootball

Sheffield United ensured they will remain top of the Championship on Christmas Day with a 2-0 victory away to Cardiff City. The league leaders delivered a solid and controlled performance, with Kieffer Moore stealing the spotlight against his former club by scoring both goals in spectacular fashion.

The first came in the 65th minute, when Moore expertly chested down a pinpoint cross from Alfie Gilchrist. Holding off his marker with strength, Moore spun on the spot and unleashed a stunning left-footed volley into the top corner, leaving the Cardiff goalkeeper with no chance.

Moore wasn’t done there. His second came after he latched onto a clever tackle-pass from Tom Davies. From outside the box, Moore ignored the support from Rhian Brewster and drilled a precise shot into the bottom left corner, silencing the home crowd and sealing the win for the Blades.

Sheffield United came close to adding a third late in the game. A high press forced Cardiff into an error, allowing Callum O’Hare to pick up a loose ball on the far left side of the box. O’Hare attempted to curl a shot into the far corner, but Cardiff’s keeper parried it away to deny him as Davies lurked in the six yard box.

CARDIFF, WALES – DECEMBER 21: Kieffer Moore of Sheffield United scores the opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City FC and Sheffield United FC at Cardiff City Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Chris Wilder Reflects on a Dominant Sheffield United Performance Against Cardiff City

Talking about the performance to SUTV, Chris Wilder believed his team dominated the game. “Really good. A different challenge for us today, especially the way they set up, dangerous on the counter attack, three at the top of the pitch. We had to be disciplined in possession. We had to be thoughtful when we were on the go because on a counter attack anything can happen. First goal was really important for us. We talked to the players about being patient and doing the right thing and keep moving the ball. We did. I thought we controlled possession; I don’t know what the stats were but it seemed all us.”

The last time the Blades clinched promotion from the Championship (2022/23) they kept 19 clean sheets. United have already claimed their 15th clean sheet of the season, and Wilder spoke about his team’s remarkable defensive record. “To keep another clean sheet is outstanding. I don’t think Coops [Michael Cooper] has really had anything to do. Maybe a shot from Callum Robinson late on which he’s palmed around the post which I would’ve expected him to. Yet again, the desire to keep a clean sheet and go and win a game of football.”

United head into Christmas top of the table with a three point cushion to second place Leeds United. While Wilder recognises the great position his side is in, he reaffirmed that the job is far from done, “Nothing is won on December 25th. We’re in a great position, we’ve got huge challenges ahead of us but exciting challenges that I want the players to embrace and I want the supporters to embrace.”

Sheffield United had a few players missing on Saturday, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Femi Seriki, Vinicius Souza and Tyrese Campbell. After the game the United boss also revealed there were a few players suffering with illnesses during the build-up to the game. He said: “Robbo [Jack Robinson] came off through illness, Tom Davies wasn’t great before the game. There’s three or four there that weren’t feeling great but were willing to stick their hand up and play, so hopefully that doesn’t go unnoticed in terms of the commitment and what they’re prepared to do [for the team].”