A season of misery ends in relegation, and humiliation, for Sheffield United.
Officially now going down, after their latest defensive nightmare, and the latest avalanche of hapless goals conceded.
What a weird way to tumble. Destroyed in the second half by ruthless, improved Newcastle, but Chris Wilder’s men had scored first, were the better team for the opening half, before collapsing. Alexander Isak did the damage for the Euro chasing Toon, scoring twice and going one behind Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer in the race for the Golden Boot, on 19 for the season.
But Ben Osborn’s own goal, unfathomable flick past his own keeper, for the Geordies’ fourth, was symptomatic of the Yorkshire side’s campaign.
Isak has nine goals in his last seven games in the league - cashing in against the top flight’s worst ever defence who have now leaked a staggering new record of 97 goals this season. 13 in two games against Newcastle who are now chasing down Man Utd for a Europa League spot.
Premier League odds and betting tipsAnel Ahmedhodzic stunned the Tyneside crowd with a goal after just five minutes, a close range header after sneaking in at the back post unmarked. Hamer provided the assist. They missed several chances to extend their lead.
Howe blasted his side for their midweek performance in a 2-0 defeat to Palace, but they were lethargic and lacking precision early then won the second half 4-0.
The equaliser came inevitably, from the deadly Isak after 25 shakey minutes. Jacob Murphy slotted him clear in the right channel and the Swedish star slammed home from a tight angle.
The Blades were not done though. It took another great Burn block to stop Ben Brereton Diaz’s shot after he rounded Martin Dubravka, Mason Holgate hit the bar and Andre Brooks smashed wide from close range.
It all looked a bit disjointed from Newcastle before half time, but they pulled themselves together after a half time inquest. Bruno Guimaraes showed why he has a £100m release clause by scoring in the 55th minute.
Tino Livramento was tripped cutting back on the right wing and Anthony Gordon swung in a deep free kick. The Brazilian midfielder sneaked in at the back post to head home.
Then Gordon was fouled in the box by Mason Holgate. Isak stepped up to slot in… up to 19 for the league season, and still chasing Haaland. Maybe he should have a £120m clause. The fourth Toon goal they conceded summed up the Blades’ season. The ball fell at Ben Osbourn’s feet two yards out but he got himself in a tangle… and produced a cheeky finish into his own net. A lovely, brainstorm of a flick.
Sub Callum Wilson grabbed the fifth, and had Newcastle dreaming of repeating their eight goal haul when they last met at Bramall Lane in September.
Wilson, back from a pectoral muscle tear, got his first league goals since October and his eight of the campaign, as it got embarrassing for Wilder’s men.
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