Here are the responses from the national media following Newcastle United’s record-breaking eight-goal demolition of Sheffield United.
“Bloodthirsty” Newcastle
“As Newcastle’s players and staff stood in a queue applauding the fans serenading them in the lower bank of the Bramall Lane Stand after a record-breaking away win, the clock on the scoreboard looking back at them was still ticking away,” Ben Fisher wrote in an article for the Guardian. The fact that Sheffield United’s players had already started to make their way down the tunnel at that point was fortunate given Newcastle’s overpowering desire to put on a show and constant attempt to make a deeper cut.
Eddie Howe’s team had a three-goal lead at that time, so the game was effectively finished after 35 minutes. However, Newcastle was persistent and bloodthirsty, and they eventually pounded the home team to the tune of eight goals to zero, giving them their largest away league victory. The first time eight different scorers have scored in a Premier League game was added by replacement Alexander Isak, and assistant manager of Sheffield United Stuart McCall covered his face in disgust as the substitute wheeled away in celebration.
‘Statement’ triumph
“Unlikely as it seems given the scoreline, Newcastle started relatively slowly and it was the home side that looked the more threatening in the opening exchanges,” Sam Drury wrote for BBC Sport. Everything changed the instant the first goal was scored, and Gordon played a crucial role in it by cleverly spinning on the byeline and setting up Longstaff for the finish.
“Gordon only entered the game as a result of Harvey Barnes’ injury, but the winger’s entry helped alter the course of the match. Although the game resembled a procession in the second half, Newcastle’s position was aided by Gordon’s speed and cunning down the left.
“Gordon scored as Newcastle persisted obstinately and Sheffield United surrendered following the half.This was a statement win that will keep emotions up at St James’ Park and add to the belief that they can make their mark domestically as well as in Europe this season after a disappointing start to their league campaign in which they lost three of their first five games.
“Ruthless effective”
Craig Hope, writing for the MailOnline, stated that Sheffield United would have finished the game with all of their replacements permitted on the field and the referee showing mercy by blowing for full-time long before Alexander Isak scored Newcastle’s eighth goal in the 87th minute. In actuality, the home team’s defence was appropriate for a children’s game. Paul Heckingbottom, the manager of the Blades, will likely pull through.
