Newcastle thrashed Sheffield United 8-0 at Bramall Lane, with a devastating performance. All eight goals were scored by eight different goal scorers as Newcastle dismantled newly-promoted Sheffield United.
Here are five things we learned from the game
NO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HANGOVER FOR THE TOON
Embed from Getty ImagesIt was a testing evening at the San Siro for Newcastle, but they came away with a clean sheet and a respectable point. After an end-to-end opening 20 minutes, Newcastle took charge at Bramall Lane and never looked back. Three first half goals were scored in 14 minutes which took the game away from the hosts and the goals did not stop there. Eddie Howe’s side were clearly not suffering from any Champions League hangover. After a morale boosting win last week against Brentford, Newcastle are starting to click into gear in the Premier League. A famous 8-0 win will live long in the memory for the Geordies.
8 GOALS SCORED AND IT COULD HAVE BEEN MORE
Embed from Getty ImagesNewcastle scored eight and had eight different goal scorers! It felt as if Newcastle were going to score every time they came forward. Sheffield United had to deal with wave after wave of attacks, and the Blades simply could not deal with it. Goals from Sean Longstaff, Dan Burn and Sven Botman put Newcastle out of sight in the first half. The goals kept flowing in the second half and if it wasn’t for goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, it could have been double digits.
An unfortunate injury forced Harvey Barnes off in the early stages, his replacement Anthony Gordon was sensational, setting up the opening goal and bagging one himself.
TRIPPIER’S HATTRICK OF ASSISTS
Embed from Getty ImagesKieran Trippier assisted three Newcastle goals at Bramall Lane with some fantastic crosses into the box. His set-piece deliveries are some of the most deadly in the Premier League. His whipped balls found the heads of centre-backs Dan Burn, Sven Botman and striker Callum Wilson as Newcastle ran riot. Trippier had another very solid game for Newcastle and his contributions are invaluable to the team. With fellow right-back Kyle Walker in brilliant form too, Gareth Southgate could have a selection headache in Germany this summer.
NEWCASTLE BACK TO THEIR BEST?
Embed from Getty ImagesNewcastle lost three games in a row in August and looked a shell of the team we saw last season in the Premier League. After the international break, they dusted themselves down and responded with three clean sheets in a row in all competitions. Nine goals scored, six points picked up in the league and an important point to start their Champions League campaign.
Their football at times was scintillating against the hosts, and Newcastle look like they have their mojo back. Eight players got onto the scoresheet, and the feel-good factor is back amongst the fan base. The thrashing of Sheffield United lifts Eddie Howe’s side up to eight in the league, something they will look to build on as they host struggling Burnley next.
BLADES HORROR SHOW
Embed from Getty ImagesIt was an afternoon to forget for Sheffield United who are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League on one point. Five defeats and a draw is concerning, but to lose at home by eight goals borders on embarrassment. Newcastle were clinical but did not seem to get out of second gear. Paul Heckingbottom’s job could be at risk after that performance. The Blades travel to West Ham next week, and will be desperate to put things right.