Newcastle 5-1 Sheffield United: Isak bags brace as Magpies condemn visitors to relegation

Sheffield United's demotion from the Premier League was confirmed after a 5-1 defeat to Newcastle United, who are now closing in on sixth-placed Manchester United in their quest for European football.

The Magpies had previously secured an 8-0 victory at Bramall Lane, but Sheffield United managed to take an unexpected lead against them, just like they did against Manchester United earlier in the week.

Playing with a sense of liberation due to their imminent relegation, Sheffield United applied pressure on their hosts from the start. Anel Ahmedhodzic's header from Gustavo Hamer's cross slipped past Martin Dubravka to give the Blades an early advantage.

The match at St James' Park was action-packed, with Cameron Archer's attempt blocked by Dan Burn and Longstaff's shot saved by Auston Trusty. Newcastle equalized soon after when Jacob Murphy's pass found Alexander Isak, who calmly scored for the seventh consecutive home game with a precise finish past Wes Foderingham.

The game continued to see opportunities, with Ben Brereton Diaz denied by a desperate slide from Burn and Foderingham making a crucial save to stop Lewis Hall's long-range effort just before half-time.

Sheffield United's demotion from the Premier League was confirmed after a 5-1 defeat to Newcastle United, who are now closing in on sixth-placed Manchester United in their quest for European football.

Newcastle took the lead shortly after the second half began, thanks to a well-placed delivery from Anthony Gordon during a set-piece, which Bruno Guimaraes converted with a diving header at the back post.

Brereton Diaz had an opportunity to equalize soon after, but Newcastle's third goal put an end to any hopes of a comeback from Sheffield United.

Mason Holgate fouled Gordon in the penalty box, resulting in a penalty that Isak successfully converted, marking his 23rd goal of the season. From that point on, Newcastle relentlessly attacked, scoring a fourth goal through a Ben Osborn own goal, and then a fifth goal from substitute Callum Wilson's powerful strike.

A late penalty awarded to Sheffield United was overturned, confirming their relegation to the Championship and sealing their last-place finish in what has been a highly disappointing campaign for the Blades.

Meanwhile, Newcastle's victory keeps them in contention for a spot in the Europa League, as they sit just one point behind sixth place after bouncing back from a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace earlier in the week.