Tom Davies’ late winner proved to be the difference as Sheffield United edged a compelling and often chaotic tussle with promotion rivals Sunderland to send the Blades to the top of the Championship on a night when both sides had a man sent off.

Both sides have made a magnificent start to the new season and are firmly in the promotion mix as December approaches. They each knew victory here would move them above Leeds ahead of their game against Blackburn on Saturday and despite the game looking as though it would be heading for a stalemate for large periods, Davies’ strike was six minutes to go ultimately was decisive.