Blades Slice Through Foxes in Dominant Bramall Lane Display

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The opening goal arrived in the 36th minute when Japhet Tanganga rose highest to power a header into the top left corner from close range, meeting Sam McCallum's whipped cross following a corner. The defender's timing proved impeccable as he ghosted between Leicester's markers to give Sheffield United a deserved advantage.

Thomas Cannon doubled the lead seven minutes into the second half with clinical precision, rifling a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the bottom left corner after Andre Brooks's clever assist unlocked the Leicester backline.

The Blades put the result beyond doubt in the 88th minute when Callum O'Hare prodded home from virtually on the goal line, converting after Femi Seriki's effort ricocheted into his path. Jordan James's thunderous strike from outside the box in the 92nd minute, assisted by Jordan Ayew on the counter-attack, merely reduced the deficit as Leicester salvaged late pride.

Sheffield United controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, with Djibril Soumaré and Jairo Riedewald dictating the tempo in midfield. Tyler Bindon and Tanganga formed an impenetrable barrier at the back, repeatedly snuffing out Leicester's attacking forays.

Michael Cooper in the Sheffield goal enjoyed a relatively comfortable evening, while at the other end, Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward made three crucial saves to prevent an even heavier defeat. The battle in wide areas saw Seriki and McCallum provide constant width for the hosts, stretching Leicester's defensive shape and creating space for Brooks and O'Hare to exploit centrally.

Sheffield United enjoyed the majority of possession at 56.2% and translated that dominance into clear-cut opportunities, registering 13 shots compared to Leicester's six. The Blades' five shots on target demonstrated their clinical edge, while Leicester managed just one effort that troubled Cooper. The corner count of 7-3 in Sheffield's favour further illustrated their territorial superiority, with the opening goal stemming directly from one of those set-piece deliveries.

The turning point arrived early in the second half when Cannon's strike extinguished any hopes of a Leicester comeback. The visitors had emerged from the interval seeking a route back into the contest, but the Irish striker's composed finish deflated their momentum entirely.

Stephy Mavididi's yellow card in the 65th minute for a reckless challenge on Soumaré epitomised Leicester's growing frustration as Sheffield United's control tightened with each passing minute.

Looking ahead, Sheffield United will travel to face Middlesbrough on Saturday, 1 February, while Leicester City host Millwall on the same day, desperately seeking a response to halt their worrying slide.