Middlesbrough secured their fourth consecutive Championship victory, defeating Sheffield United 1-0, while West Brom edged past Stoke City 1-0. Tommy Conway’s goal propelled Middlesbrough to the top of the league, while Nat Phillips’ early strike secured the win for West Brom. Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards is enjoying a dream start, while Sheffield United and their manager Ruben Selles are struggling at the bottom. West Brom’s Ryan Mason has also made a positive impact, guiding his team to an unbeaten start.
Middlesbrough continued their blistering start to the Championship season, securing their fourth consecutive victory with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Sheffield United. The Teessiders are now sitting pretty at the top of the league, leaving Sheffield United languishing at the bottom without a single point to their name. Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion also maintained their unbeaten record, overcoming Stoke City 1-0 in a tightly contested affair at the Hawthorns.
The match at the Riverside Stadium was a cagey affair in the first half, with both Middlesbrough and Sheffield United struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. The midfield was congested, and both defenses were well-organized, leading to a goalless stalemate at the interval. However, the second half saw Middlesbrough emerge with renewed vigor and determination. The introduction of fresh legs and a change in tactics injected pace and creativity into their attack.
The decisive moment arrived in the 64th minute when Tommy Conway latched onto a sublime through-ball from Matt Targett. Conway, with composure and precision, guided the ball past the helpless Sheffield United goalkeeper, sending the home fans into raptures. The goal was a testament to Middlesbrough's persistence and their ability to unlock a stubborn defense. It also highlighted the growing understanding between Targett and Conway, who are quickly forming a formidable partnership.
New Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards is relishing a dream start to his tenure at the Riverside. His tactical acumen and motivational skills have transformed Middlesbrough into a formidable force in the Championship. The team is playing with confidence, flair, and a never-say-die attitude. Edwards has instilled a sense of belief in his players, and they are responding with outstanding performances week after week.
In stark contrast, Ruben Selles is enduring a nightmare start to his reign at Sheffield United. The Blades have struggled to find any rhythm or consistency, and they are desperately searching for their first win of the season. Selles faces a daunting task to turn the team's fortunes around. He needs to address their defensive vulnerabilities, inject some creativity into their attack, and instill a winning mentality in his players.
FOUR IN A ROW! pic.twitter.com/U71aEtQ22e
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) August 30, 2025
Meanwhile, at the Hawthorns, West Bromwich Albion capitalized on a goalkeeping error to secure a 1-0 victory over Stoke City. In the 14th minute, Stoke's goalkeeper, Viktor Johansson, made a costly fumble from a corner, allowing Nat Phillips to pounce and prod the ball into the net. The mistake proved to be the game's defining moment, as West Brom defended resolutely to maintain their lead and secure all three points.
West Brom manager Ryan Mason has enjoyed a positive start to his tenure at the Hawthorns. His tactical nous and man-management skills have galvanized the team, and they are playing with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The Baggies are now sitting in second place in the table, having remained unbeaten in their opening four games.
For Stoke City, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. They had matched West Brom for large periods of the game, but Johansson's error ultimately cost them dearly. Manager Alex Neil will be demanding a response from his players in their next match as they look to bounce back from this setback.
The Championship is shaping up to be another thrilling and unpredictable season. Middlesbrough and West Brom have emerged as early pacesetters, but there are plenty of other teams who will be vying for promotion come May. With its blend of talent, passion, and drama, the Championship promises to deliver plenty of excitement and surprises along the way.