Sheffield United hand incentive to Leeds and Burnley after West Brom draw

Sheffield United opened the door for Leeds United and Burnley to take advantage at the Championship summit after being held to a 1-1 draw by West Brom.

Chris Wilder's side moved back to the top of the table with the result at Bramall Lane, though their one-point lead could soon be eradicated when Leeds visit Derby County later on Sunday.

United started well as Andre Brooks capped a sweeping move with a fine left-footed opener after 23 minutes, though Karlan Grant equalised on the stroke of half-time with a well-placed effort of his own.

Rhian Brewster blazed over a late chance for the winner as the frustrated hosts, who are just two points clear of third-placed Burnley, were left to rue a missed opportunity in their final game of the year.

It finishes level at the Lane. pic.twitter.com/In3VDzdxKx

— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) December 29, 2024

Preston further allayed relegation fears as Emil Riis' double in a 3-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Deepdale saw them shoot up to 13th in the league.

Riis bundled home from point-blank range after Jack Whatmough's cushioned header back across goal, before Josh Windass levelled after the interval with a pinpoint curling strike into the bottom-right corner.

However, Dominic Iorfa's ill-timed challenge on Josh Bowler saw Sam Greenwood restore Preston's lead from the penalty spot, before Riis' second from close range secured back-to-back wins for Preston at home.

#pnefc pic.twitter.com/s5zK93WLNm

— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) December 29, 2024

In Sunday's other early kick-off, Norwich City salvaged a late point as Marcelino Nunez crashed in an 89th-minute equaliser at Carrow Road, snatching a 1-1 draw with a battling Queens Park Rangers team.

Ante Crnac's own goal on the stroke of the half-time whistle seemed to have QPR on course for an unlikely away win, only for Marti Cifuentes' side to be undone by a last-gasp piece of brilliance.

Norwich worked it well towards the right of the area before substitute Onel Hernandez offloaded for Nunez, who arrowed a right-footed finish into the bottom-left corner past the despairing dive of Paul Nardi.

The draw leaves Norwich 10th in the table, four points and seven places clear of QPR.