Blades relegated after being beaten by Magpies

Sheffield United’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed as Newcastle recovered from a slow start to beat Chris Wilder’s side at St James’ Park.

The Blades created several chances to double their advantage as Newcastle struggled to take control of proceedings, but the home side were level when Alexander Isak managed to head home Jacob Murphy’s pass at the 26th minute.

Ben Brereton Diaz saw a shot on goal blocked by Dan Burn and Mason Holgate headed against the woodwork on the half-hour mark, but the visitors fell behind early in the second half when Bruno Guimaraes headed Lewis’ delivery Hall in the far corner.

Isak scored his 23rd goal of the season from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was brought down by Holgate, before the hapless Ben Osborn slotted into his own net for Newcastle’s fourth.

Callum Wilson came off the bench as the hosts scored his first top-flight goal since October.

Sheffield United were awarded a late penalty but the decision was overturned by the video assistant referee who ruled that Magpies substitute Alex Murphy had won the ball during a challenge with Jayden Bogle.

The defeat leaves the Blades 10 points from safety with just three games remaining, while Newcastle remain seventh and are well placed to secure a place in Europe next season.

Blades collapse after brilliant start

The writing has been on the wall for some time for Wilder’s side, who started brightly on Saturday but collapsed after Guimaraes gave Newcastle the lead.

The Blades have been stuck in the bottom three since late September, when they were beaten 8-0 by Eddie Howe’s side at Bramall Lane in their record league defeat.

Only Swindon Town have conceded more goals in a single Premier League season than the Blades, who have now scored 97 goals in 35 games.

The visitors enjoyed good early possession and could have doubled their lead after Ahmedhodzic’s opener, Cameron Archer’s shot being deflected after a wild run.

Archer then saw another effort blocked by Burn, who was in the right place at the right time to prevent Brereton Diaz putting the visitors back in front after Isak’s leveler.

Holgate was denied by the frame of goal and Andre Brooks skewed a long-range effort early in the second half, but Newcastle never looked back after Guimaraes’ header.

Referee Tony Harrington awarded the visitors a late spot-kick after Bogle fell under pressure from Alex Murphy, but Wilder’s side were denied a late consolation after VAR ruled that the defender Newcastle had got their foot on the ball.

More soon.