Sky Sports pundits praise ‘outstanding’ Chris Wilder after ‘statement result’ in Sheffield United 3-1 Coventry City

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Sheffield United claimed a huge three points against Coventry City on Friday evening, with Premier League promotion another step closer for the Blades.

Our combined XI highlighted that the game could potentially be tight, but it was anything but when Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United raced into a 3-0 lead against Frank Lampard’s side at Bramall Lane.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	39	26	7	6	56	29	27	83
2	LeedsLeeds	38	23	11	4	76	25	51	80
3	BurnleyBurnley	38	21	15	2	52	11	41	78
4	SunderlandSunderland	38	19	12	7	55	37	18	69
5	CoventryCoventry	39	17	8	14	56	51	5	59
6	West BromWest Brom	38	13	18	7	48	34	14	57
7	Bristol CityBristol City	38	14	15	9	49	41	8	57

Gus Hamer stood out in our Sheffield United player ratings against Coventry City, after an ‘outrageous’ performance for the Blades against his former side. He is one of the best players in the Championship and underlined why on a massive night in South Yorkshire.

Many Blades fans are frustrated at talk surrounding Hamer, and Chris Basham piled the praise on Tyrese Campbell. Some pundits were predicting another upset but that ‘Premier League’ class shone through in a game which Sheffield United dominated.

• READ MORE: Chris Wilder once thanked Coventry City boss Frank Lampard for letting Sheffield United sign ‘outstanding’ gem

Sky Sports pundits lavish praise on Chris Wilder and Sheffield United after Coventry City win

the automatic promotion chasers each have some outstanding talent, but the Blades were the busiest of the three in January. Hamza Choudhury also stood out against Coventry, with the competition for places driving this squad on in the eyes of many.

Speaking in the Sky Sports studio, Chris Iwelumo and Jamie Mackie were asked for their thoughts on last night’s victory by David Prutton — and they had plenty of positives to share regarding Wilder and co.

Iwelumo said: “They were outstanding. A very professional performance. I think Chris Wilder will be delighted. The pressure is on. It’s a statement result. They completely nullified the threat of Coventry.

“It’s all about doing the right things. They do the basics very, very well. They’ve delivered. And this is a side with quality and depth throughout.”

Mackie added: “I think, to be honest with you, to have him in the dugout and round the training ground where he’s been there and done it — I just said at the start of the season that they find a way of getting it done.

“I think now they’ve got the quality and you can see that with the strikers. But you see that with Chris Wilder — they’ve got such an advantage with knowing the league how it is.”

Iwelumo responded: “I think he has to be given massive plaudits. You know, recruitment in January at the right time. They were going strong but what do you do?

“You bring extra players in with quality. It just makes it more competitive and raises the levels again. So for the business end, ‘we’re going to be ready. We’re going to be prepared for every scenario.’

“They’re just raising the level for the competitiveness of that squad.”

• READ MORE: Sheffield United warned about damning statistic that could see Burnley beat them to automatic promotion

Sheffield United have all the attributes of a promotion-winning side — and the fixtures show it

The quality and strength in depth at Sheffield United is far more evident after January, with almost too many strikers to choose from and better options at the base of midfield and in defence.

They have the grit and determination to grind things out, but Coventry was their magnum opus this season. Wilder’s side were at their scintillating bench and one battles all over the pitch.

Outside of the clash against Burnley, they couldn’t ask for a nicer set of fixtures to be taking their good form and momentum into. The Blades face many teams who are fighting for their lives or in terrible form.

Ahead of today’s 3pm games, Sheffield United have a 71.60% chance of automatic promotion of any kind and 28.40% chance of the title — according to Opta. They have a fantastic opportunity and the right man in the dugout to do so, as well as the squad and mentality to continue their momentum.