Sheffield United 3-0 Blackburn Rovers: Iliman Ndiaye double sends Blades top

Iliman Ndiaye has now scored three goals this season for Sheffield United

Sheffield United moved top of the Championship as they dethroned previous leaders Blackburn Rovers with a comfortable win at Bramall Lane.

The Blades led at the break courtesy of Oliver Norwood's impressive free-kick into the top right-hand corner after 35 minutes.

Iliman Ndiaye gave Sheffield United a two-goal cushion after half-time as the hosts found their stride.

Ndiaye scored again with a stunning long-range drive that cannoned in off the post with Blackburn unable to respond.

Having started the season with three consecutive league wins, Blackburn have now lost two games in a row and conceded six goals after their 3-0 loss to Reading in midweek.

The Blades' victory means they top the table with a one-point cushion on second-placed Watford while Blackburn slip three places to fourth.

It was a decent first half from the hosts, as they threatened with chances from Norwood and Oli McBurnie before they eventually took the lead.

And they broke the deadlock in fine fashion, as Norwood drove past Rovers keeper Thomas Kaminski from a free-kick from 25 yards out.

The hosts took control in the second half as McBurnie cut back to Sander Berge whose shot at goal ricocheted off substitute Ndiaye and into the net.

But Ndiaye saved his best for last, with his goal from outside the box capping off a miserable afternoon for Jon Dahl Tomasson's side.

Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom:

"I thought from start to finish we were excellent. We had a purpose about us with the ball and tried to move it quick and be positive. And aggression without the ball, to try and win it back and make it difficult for Blackburn as well.

"I think that type of performance would have given anyone a game. We just try and deliver that. We know we're not going to every week, but we'll try and do it.

"In 40 games' time, if we're top of the league, I'll be delighted."

Blackburn Rovers head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson:

"We knew when we came here that it was going to be tough. Sheffield United have an excellent squad and a lot of quality players.

"I think the squad looked a bit stretched, to be honest. It was a well-deserved victory - they were better than us.

"We had a spell in the second half where I think we were in the game, especially in the first 25 minutes after half-time.

"I think you can see that we are playing a lot of games at the moment and that the squad is looking a bit stretched.

"I think it could be good to boost the dressing room a little bit with a couple of players.

"We lost more than eight players and only three players came in so far."