EFL: Middlesbrough Move Top of Championship with Win Over Sheffield United

Middlesbrough beat Sheffield United 2-1 to go top of championship

Middlesbrough moved to the top of the Championship table with a 2-1 win over Sheffield United, showcasing their strong performance.

Middlesbrough kept pushing for a third goal in the second half, trying to kill off the game, but Sheffield United struck back through...

Middlesbrough has taken the top spot in the Championship table after a thrilling 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. The visitors dominated the first half, with Tommy Conway and Riley McGree scoring to give them a 2-0 lead at halftime. Conway's goal came from a slick combination between Luke Ayling, Morgan Whittaker, and McGree, showcasing Boro's attacking prowess.

Despite Patrick Bamford's 73rd-minute goal, Sheffield United's hopes of a comeback were dashed when Joe Rothwell was sent off for a reckless challenge. Middlesbrough's fifth consecutive win moves them two points clear of Coventry, with a blockbuster clash against the Sky Bet Championship leaders looming next Monday.

Frank Lampard's Coventry City were held to a goalless draw at home to Oxford United on Saturday, allowing other teams to close the gap. Coventry had won just four of their last 13 Championship matches, and this draw means they could drop to second place if Middlesbrough win.

Meanwhile, Kim Hellberg's side, Sheffield United, got off to a great start at Bramall Lane, scoring two goals in the first half. Conway scored the first goal, finishing unerringly across goalkeeper Michael Cooper in under 20 minutes. McGree then doubled the visitors' lead just before half-time, nodding in a rebound after Hayden Hackney's shot hit the post.

SIX IN A ROW! 😍 pic.twitter.com/LW8RVCmOZi

— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) February 9, 2026

Middlesbrough kept pushing for a third goal in the second half, trying to kill off the game, but Sheffield United struck back through Patrick Bamford's 73rd-minute goal, courtesy of great play from Kalvin Phillips and Gus Hamer. Middlesbrough's task was made easier when Joe Rothwell, on for his Blades debut, was sent off for a poor challenge on Alan Browne with 10 minutes left.

With Rothwell's red card, Middlesbrough secured their 2-1 win, moving them to the top of the Championship table. Sheffield United's hopes of a comeback were dashed, and they'll have to regroup after this defeat.