Sheffield United climbed to the top of the Championship table on Wednesday, but their celebrations were cut short as a late Bristol City equalizer forced them to settle for a 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane.
Tyrese Campbell’s second-half strike had put the Blades in a strong position, but substitute Mark Sykes found the net in the final moments to snatch a point for the visitors.
While the result was frustrating, United’s performance highlighted why they remain strong contenders for promotion—and Hamza Choudhury played a crucial role in controlling the midfield battle.
The defensive midfielder was a steady presence throughout the 90 minutes, helping United maintain possession and dictate the tempo.
He saw plenty of the ball, recording 64 touches, and kept things tidy with an 86 percent pass accuracy (37/43 completed). His ability to recycle possession and switch play allowed United to sustain their attacks, even when Bristol City enjoyed spells of pressure.
Defensively, Hamza’s reading of the game was key in breaking up Bristol City’s advances. He made four interceptions and four recoveries, cutting off passing lanes and preventing the visitors from building momentum. His energy was evident in midfield battles, winning three out of six ground duels, though he would have wanted to impose himself more in aerial challenges.
Sheffield United had been on course for another crucial win after Campbell’s goal in the 61st minute, but as the visitors pushed forward in the closing stages, the pressure eventually told. Despite Hamza’s efforts in screening the defense, the team failed to fully shut down Bristol City’s late push, allowing Sykes the time and space to capitalize.
Meanwhile, Hamza is set to arrive in Bangladesh on March 17, first landing in Sylhet to visit his paternal home in Habiganj before joining the national team after two or three days.
The midfielder is expected to travel from London to Sylhet via a Biman Bangladesh flight with his wife and children. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has arranged business-class tickets for him and will ensure his security, along with organizing a welcome ceremony in Sylhet.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
