The Saints' unbeaten streak now stands at 17 games, following second-half goals from Leo Scienza and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, which cancelled out Carlton Morris' earlier strike. The hosts began strongly, with Scienza creating an early chance for Tom Fellows, whose heavy first touch prevented him from shooting. Derby, missing the injured Patrick Agyemang, showed intent in their bid for a crucial victory, with Max Johnston breaking clear down the left channel before shooting into the side netting. A sweeping Saints attack led to a chance for Finn Azaz, who shot straight at Richard O'Donnell.
Morris, tasked with leading the line in Agyemang's absence, scored an unlikely opening goal when Joe Ward's corner deflected off Casper Jander and dropped to him at the far post. Southampton sought a quick reply, with Harwood-Bellis nodding Ryan Manning's free-kick wide of the post. In the second half, Scienza laid on a chance for James Bree, who sliced his shot wide of the post, before another chance went begging when Fellows headed Manning's cross over the bar from close range. Derby had a rare test for Daniel Peretz when he saved Sammie Szmodics' 20-yard shot low to his left.
Moments later, the Saints got the goal they deserved, as Scienza finished off a flowing move by curling into the far corner after Jander and Azaz had created the opening. St Mary's erupted once more when the Saints took the lead, as Harwood-Bellis connected perfectly with another Manning free-kick to head beyond O'Donnell.
Derby's manager, John Eustace, quickly made changes in an attempt to find a way back into the game, but the Saints remained resolute, with Harwood-Bellis reacting superbly to block Morris' effort from the edge of the six-yard box. Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder commented on his team's recent performance, stating that they got off to the worst possible start and that Hull are a team that like to counter and suck opponents in, with talented players at the top of the pitch. Wilder expressed his satisfaction with the win, despite acknowledging that his team had not had the best of starts and that they had been fortunate with some decisions.
Hull manager Sergij Jakirovic expressed his disbelief at the outcome, stating that his team had been the better side and that the game had been changed completely by the referee's decisions, including a second yellow card for John Lundstram and a penalty that he felt was unjustified.