Sunderland boosted their automatic promotion hopes with an entertaining win over third-placed Sheffield United, who are now winless in three.

The visitors wasted a great chance to open the scoring when Kieffer Moore's mis-hit penalty kick was saved by Anthony Patterson in the home goal.

Eliezer Mayenda then put the Black Cats ahead after a defensive error before Luke O'Nien headed into his own net to level the scores, but Wilson Isidor slid a cool finish in to allow the home side to end a chaotic first half in the lead.

The Blades had more of the play after the break but were unable to find a leveller as Rhian Brewster shot wide and the home side survived a late goalmouth scramble.

The result means Sunderland remain fourth but are now only two points behind second-placed Burnley, while United, who went into Christmas three points clear at the top of the table, are three points behind table-toppers Leeds.

Both teams had drawn one and lost one of their games after Christmas to stall their momentum but, after both Leeds and Burnley were held to draws at home earlier on Wednesday, they knew this was a chance to regain some ground.

After an open first few minutes the away side were awarded a penalty kick when O'Nien foolishly tugged Moore's shirt as he went to shoot after the home side failed to deal with a free-kick, but the defender's mistake went unpunished as Moore's effort down the middle was saved by the legs of Patterson.

Sunderland took the lead after Jack Robinson miscontrolled a long ball forward and Mayenda nipped in and finished well after running in on goal.

The lead was short-lived though, the lively Gus Hamer thumped a fierce cross into the middle of the Sunderland box and O'Nien's eventful start to the evening took another turn as he headed it into his own net after it took a deflection.

However, the Black Cats quickly regained the advantage when Sydie Peck was robbed of the ball on halfway and it was quickly worked to Isidor on the left-hand edge of the area where the Frenchman showed guile to burst beyond Anel Ahmedhodzic before slotting home with his right foot.

Chris Wilder's men enjoyed more of the ball and territory after the interval as the home side looked to play on the counter-attack but the visitors struggled to create a clear-cut chance, while Mayenda missed an opportunity to sew the game up when he shot straight at Michael Cooper.

The Blades have now gone three games without victory at this level for the first time since a run of six matches in October 2022.

They will look to get back on track when they travel to Watford on Saturday, with Sunderland hosting Portsmouth on Sunday.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle:

"It was a tough game. We played with a different style of play, with a compact block, because it was very important to control the way they play, especially through our lines.

"We knew we had the quick players to run in behind and threaten the space behind the defence, and I think we did very well in that part of the game.

"They pushed a lot and I think the spirit of the team was very good and very connected with the fans. We felt their energy in the stadium.

"It was a tight game until the end and we conceded a goal in the last minute in the last games and today we showed we are able to protect our goal."

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield:

"Some poor goals to giveaway in terms of a couple of mistakes in there, which is uncharacteristic from our point of view, and we didn't take the chance to get our noses in front early in the game.

"We just didn't find that bit of quality that we should have found. It wasn't for the want of trying, I thought the attitude of the team was good.

"The players went until the end and we all thought we'd take something from the game. I can't be too critical of the players, they're giving everything.

"It's a tough period. It's been an interesting day in the Championship, so we have to take it on the chin and move quickly forward."