24 Nov 2025
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Two goals from Tyrese Campbell and a late strike from substitute Tom Cannon delivered a crushing 3-0 victory for Sheffield United over local rivals Sheffield Wednesday in the Sheffield derby on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Hillsborough Stadium. The win wasn’t just another three points—it was a statement. After two narrow 1-0 victories last season, United didn’t just win again—they dismantled their opponents with clinical precision, extending their derby dominance to three straight wins. For Wednesday, it was another gut-wrenching night in a season that’s slipping further into chaos.
Derby Dominance, Cemented
The match began with the usual electric tension, but by the 11th minute, it was clear United had come to dominate. Tyrese Campbell, the 25-year-old striker who’s quietly become the heartbeat of United’s attack, didn’t wait long to make his mark. In the 36th minute, after a sloppy pass from Wednesday’s Cooper was intercepted by Sydie Peck, Campbell pounced. A quick one-two with Peck, a feint past the sliding defender, and a calm finish low to the far post—1-0. The away end erupted. The home crowd, already uneasy, fell silent.
Before halftime, Campbell struck again. Just before the whistle, a cross from the left found him unmarked at the near post. He didn’t even need to jump. A simple, powerful header—2-0. The half-time whistle blew with Sheffield United in complete control, while Sheffield Wednesday looked shell-shocked.
Third Goal, Final Nail
The second half didn’t offer hope—it offered closure. In the 48th minute, Tom Cannon, who’d come on as a 60th-minute substitute, latched onto a loose ball in the box after a scramble. He didn’t celebrate wildly. Just a quiet nod, a fist pump, and the ball was in the net. 3-0. The goal wasn’t flashy, but it was decisive. It was the kind of goal that kills morale.
By the 70th minute, Sheffield Wednesday looked more like a team going through the motions than one fighting for survival. Manager Henrik Pedersen stood on the touchline, arms folded, expression blank. His team had been outworked, outthought, and outclassed. As one YouTube analyst put it: "Their posture really does sum it up. Rooted to the bottom and very much second best here."
Table Implications: One Side Rising, the Other Drowning
For Sheffield United, the win lifted them to 13 points from 16 games—four wins, one draw, and eleven losses. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a lifeline. They’re now just four points off the playoff places. More importantly, they’ve found a rhythm. Campbell’s brace was his fifth and sixth goals of the season—more than any other United player. And with Cannon stepping up off the bench, manager Paul Heckingbottom now has options.
For Sheffield Wednesday, the defeat was a disaster. They remain rooted to the bottom of the Championship table with just one win in 16 matches—-4 goal difference, 8 points adrift of safety. Their last win? A 1-0 victory over Wigan Athletic back in September. Since then? Five draws and ten losses. Their goalkeeper, Joe Wildsmith (commonly referred to as Horvath in match reports), made several fine saves—including a crucial stop on Danny Ings—but no amount of individual brilliance can cover systemic collapse.
What Went Wrong for Wednesday?
The numbers tell one story. The atmosphere told another. According to Matchday vlogger analysis, Wednesday had 15 days to prepare for this fixture. Fifteen days. And they showed up with no fight, no passion, no urgency. The midfield was overrun. The defense was disorganized. The fans—once among the most vocal in the division—were quiet by the 60th minute. Even their captain, Asante Englesen, looked lost.
"It’s the worst performance in a while," one fan wrote on social media. "I’ve seen worse—but not in my lifetime."
What’s Next?
Sheffield United face Millwall next on December 1, 2025, at Bramall Lane. A win there could propel them into the top half of the table. Campbell’s confidence is sky-high. Cannon is proving he’s more than just a bench player. And the defense, while still shaky, held firm against a team that’s scored just 14 goals all season.
For Sheffield Wednesday, the path ahead looks bleak. They travel to Barnsley next, a team fighting just as hard to avoid the drop. If they can’t find a spark soon, relegation to League One won’t just be possible—it’ll be inevitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is this win for Sheffield United’s season?
This win is arguably the turning point in Sheffield United’s 2025-26 campaign. After 16 games, they had just 13 points and were stuck in 18th place. The derby win not only boosted morale but showed they can beat direct rivals. With Tyrese Campbell scoring five of their 14 goals this season, and Tom Cannon emerging as a reliable impact substitute, they now have attacking options they lacked earlier. A win against Millwall next could put them firmly in playoff contention.
Why is Sheffield Wednesday struggling so badly?
Sheffield Wednesday’s problems run deep. They’ve scored only 14 goals in 16 games—the worst attack in the Championship. Their defense has conceded 38, and their midfield lacks creativity. Manager Henrik Pedersen’s tactics have been criticized as overly cautious, and key players like Asante Englesen and Cooper have underperformed. The club has also lost top scorer Rian Brewster to transfer, and their squad depth is thin. Without a major January overhaul, relegation looks almost certain.
What’s the history behind this derby?
The Sheffield derby is one of English football’s fiercest local rivalries, dating back to 1890. Both clubs were founding members of the Football League. Historically, United dominated in the 1990s, while Wednesday won the FA Cup in 1935. In recent years, United have held the upper hand, winning 7 of the last 10 meetings. Last season’s two 1-0 wins—both at Bramall Lane—were the first time United had won back-to-back derbies since 2007. This 3-0 win extends that streak and marks their third straight derby victory for the first time since the 1970s.
Who was the referee, and were there any controversial calls?
The match was officiated by veteran referee David Webb, who has been in the Championship for over a decade. There were no red cards, and only two yellow cards—both to Wednesday players. The only moment that sparked debate was a foul on Sydie Peck in the 90+8th minute, which many fans felt should have been a red card for a professional foul. But Webb let it go. Overall, the officiating was clean and uncontroversial, allowing the players’ performances to speak for themselves.
How does this result affect the Championship relegation battle?
Sheffield Wednesday are now 8 points behind 21st-placed Wigan Athletic and 10 points behind safety with only 14 games left. Even if they win every remaining match, they’d need a miracle from teams above them to survive. Derby County, Charlton Athletic, and Queens Park Rangers are all in the same 22-23 point range, making the battle for survival incredibly tight. But Wednesday’s lack of goals, confidence, and cohesion makes them the most likely to go down unless a dramatic turnaround occurs in January.
Is Tyrese Campbell now Sheffield United’s most important player?
Absolutely. With 6 goals in 16 games, Campbell is responsible for nearly half of United’s total goals this season. He’s also created 4 assists and has been the only consistent attacking threat. Unlike last season’s Rian Brewster, Campbell isn’t just a finisher—he’s a complete striker who holds up play, presses defenders, and links midfield to attack. If United are to climb the table, Campbell will need to keep scoring—and he’s showing every sign he can.