Sheffield United Crushes Wednesday 3-0 in Third Straight Steel City Derby Win

On Sunday, November 23, 2025, Sheffield United turned Hillsborough Stadium into a house of horrors for their fiercest rivals, defeating Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 in the Steel City derby—their third consecutive victory in the historic rivalry. The match, played at 13:19 UK time under a drizzly South Yorkshire sky, wasn’t just another win. It was a statement. Tyrese Campbell, the Blades’ sharpshooter, delivered a brace that left Wednesday’s defense shell-shocked, while Tom Cannon netted his first goal of the season with a deflected strike that ricocheted off a defender and into the top corner. The final whistle blew to a chorus of home fans chanting, "We’re not going down," as Hillsborough Stadium emptied in celebration, while the visitors trudged off, still rooted to the bottom of the EFL Championship table.

How the Goals Unfolded

It didn’t take long for the drama to begin. At the 11-minute mark, Sheffield United pounced on a rare defensive lapse from Wednesday. A miscommunication between defenders D and Hath out allowed Campbell to pounce on a loose ball at the edge of the six-yard box. His first touch was calm; his second, clinical. A low, driven shot past the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Asante Englesen. The home crowd erupted. By the 34th minute, Campbell had doubled the lead after a slick pass from Brooks found him in space, and his finish—described by Sky Sports as "emphatic and ruthless"—left no doubt about his form.

Then came the dagger. In the 67th minute, Tom Cannon, a 22-year-old forward who’d been waiting months for his first goal of the campaign, lashed a shot from 18 yards. The ball took a wicked deflection off Wednesday’s central defender, looping over Englesen and into the net. The stadium went silent for a split second—then exploded. "That’s his first of the season," the commentator yelled. "And it’s a beauty."

Wednesday’s Descent Continues

For Sheffield Wednesday, this was more than a loss—it was a collapse. Despite having 15 days to prepare, their performance lacked urgency, creativity, and heart. Manager Henrik Pedersen (corrected from the mispronounced "Pedes" in commentary) looked on helplessly as his side failed to register a single shot on target. Sumare, their most promising midfielder, vanished into the crowd. Englesen, once a fan favorite, seemed to carry the weight of the club’s decline on his shoulders. "It’s not just the result," one fan shouted from the away end. "It’s the way they gave up. No fight. No pride." The stats told the story: 38% possession, 4 corners, 0 clear chances created. Even their lone attempt at a counterattack in the 52nd minute ended with a tame cross into the arms of United’s goalkeeper. "They were second best in every department," noted a post-match analysis on YouTube. "And that’s the worst kind of defeat."

The United Surge

For Sheffield United, this win was a lifeline. Sitting just outside the playoff zone before kickoff, the victory lifted them into 7th place—only three points off the top six. Campbell’s double took his season tally to 11 goals, making him the club’s leading scorer and a genuine Championship standout. Patrick Bamford, the former Leeds striker signed on loan in October, came close but couldn’t find the net on his debut. Still, his movement and link-up play hinted at future synergy.

Midfielder Brooks was everywhere—pressing, passing, winning duels. Defender Calamo Hair (likely a mishearing of "Callum Hair") made a critical block in the 28th minute that preserved the 1-0 lead, and his composure under pressure earned him the match’s standout performance award. "They played with hunger," said United manager Chris Wilder in his post-match presser. "That’s what this derby demands. You don’t get extra points for style—you get them for grit."

Why This Derby Matters More Than Ever

The Steel City derby isn’t just a game—it’s a cultural fault line. Both clubs were founded in the 1800s, with Sheffield United playing at Bramall Lane since 1855, and Wednesday at Hillsborough since 1899. Their rivalry predates the Premier League, the internet, even color TV. For decades, the derby has decided promotions, relegations, and legacies. But this season, the stakes feel heavier than ever.

Wednesday, once a European contender, now fight to avoid the drop. They’ve won just three league games all season. United, meanwhile, are rebuilding under Wilder after relegation from the Premier League in 2021. This three-match winning streak in the derby is their longest since 2014. "It’s not just about bragging rights," said local historian and fan Dave Whitmore. "It’s about identity. When Wednesday lose like this, it feels like the city is losing a piece of itself."

What’s Next?

Sheffield United face a tricky trip to Blackburn Rovers next weekend, but with Campbell firing and Cannon finally finding the net, confidence is high. For Wednesday, the road ahead is brutal: five of their next six games are away, and they’re six points from safety. Manager Pedersen’s job security is now in serious doubt. Rumors are swirling that former player and assistant manager Steve Bruce could be approached for a return.

The next derby? That’s in April. But by then, one of these clubs may be in League One. And that’s a prospect that terrifies both sets of fans.