Tyrese Campbell thrilled Sheffield United fans by mimicking Alexander Isak after scoring a fine goal to help his side to a 3-1 win over Coventry at Bramall Lane to sweep the Blades back to the top of the Championship.
Gus Hamer opened the scoring against his former club with a brilliant free-kick and Rhian Brewster slammed home a game-clinching third.
But the moment of the match was provided by when Campbell put the Blades 2-0 up with an instinctive finish before paying homage to Newcastle star Isak by copying his trademark celebration.
Isak was last seen performing the celebration in a Newcastle shirt when he scored the second goal in his club’s 2-1 win over Liverpool to secure the Carabao Cup two weeks ago.
And it was a fitting tribute to the Sweden striker from Campbell who also grabbed his side’s second goal by scoring from a similar area in the box to Isak.
The finish itself was even reminiscent of Isak’s Wembley strike, a first-time side-footed pass into the corner of the net.
Tyrese Campbell celebrates his 10th league goal of the season by copying Alexander Isak
Newcastle star Isak performed the celebration when he scored against Liverpool at Wembley
The Sweden striker finished cooly with his the side of his foot to put his side 2-0 up in the final
Jack Rudoni volleyed a stoppage-time consolation for Coventry as the Chris Wilder’s side secured their 10th win in their last 13 league matches to open up a three-point lead over second-placed Yorkshire rivals Leeds, who play Swansea at home on Saturday.
The Blades also cranked up the pressure on Burnley, climbing five points clear of their other automatic promotion challengers, who also play on Saturday, against Bristol City at Turf Moor.
Coventry had stepped up their bid for a top-six finish under Frank Lampard by winning 10 of their previous 12 league games, but despite spells of decent pressure, they rarely troubled their hosts.
The Blades carved out the first scoring chance with Brewster’s goalbound effort well blocked by Jake Bidwell.
Coventry enjoyed more early possession, but the home side produced the first moment of quality to take the lead in the 19th minute.
Hamer picked himself up after being hauled down by Coventry defender Bobby Thomas 25 yards from goal and curled his free-kick over the wall and into visiting goalkeeper Oliver Dovin’s top left-hand corner.
It was Hamer’s eighth league goal of the season, while his celebrations were muted having left the Sky Blues for Bramall Lane in August 2023.
United extended their lead in the 30th minute. Hamza Choudhury and Femi Seriki combined down the right and the latter’s low, drilled cross was deftly turned home by Campbell for his 10th league goal of the season.
Rhian Brewster, who started his career at Liverpool, sealed victory for the Blades after an hour
It’s a great result for Blades boss Chris Wilder whose side go top of the Championship table
Coventry were dealt another blow before the break when Dovin was carried off on a stretcher following Campbell’s challenge.
Dovin was replaced by Brad Collins, whose superb reflex save from Campbell’s header denied the Blades a third goal in first-half stoppage time.
Coventry began the second period with renewed purpose. Victor Torp’s flick — the visitors’ first effort on target — and Haji Wright’s low drive were both held by Blades goalkeeper Michael Cooper.
United extended their lead with their first chance since the interval. Ben Brereton Diaz’s drive into the box scattered Coventry’s rearguard and he teed up Brewster to sweep home the all-important third goal in the 62nd minute.
Blades substitute Callum O’Hare fired narrowly over against his former club and there were also more clear chances for Sydie Peck and Choudhury.
Ben Sheaf’s thumping shot was blocked by Choudhury and fellow substitute Ellis Simms headed inches wide before Rudoni volleyed home for the visitors in added time following a corner.
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