A historic night for the Magpies
Newcastle United fans were treated to a spectacular display of attacking football as their team demolished Sheffield United 8-0 at St James’ Park on Saturday. The Magpies scored four goals in each half, with Callum Wilson netting a hat-trick and Allan Saint-Maximin adding a brace. Miguel Almiron, Joe Willock and Jamal Lewis also got on the scoresheet as Newcastle recorded their biggest ever Premier League win.
The result lifted Newcastle to sixth place in the table, level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United, who they will face in the League Cup final next month. Sheffield United, meanwhile, remained rooted to the bottom with only one point from 17 games.
Wilson leads the rout
The game was effectively over by half-time, as Newcastle raced to a 4-0 lead thanks to Wilson’s clinical finishing and Saint-Maximin’s dazzling dribbling. Wilson opened the scoring in the 12th minute, tapping in from close range after Saint-Maximin’s shot was parried by Aaron Ramsdale. The French winger doubled the lead in the 21st minute, cutting inside from the left and curling a stunning strike into the top corner.
Wilson made it 3-0 in the 34th minute, converting a penalty after he was fouled by John Egan in the box. The Irish defender was shown a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, leaving Sheffield United with 10 men for the rest of the game. Wilson completed his hat-trick in the 43rd minute, heading in from Almiron’s cross.
No let-up in the second half
Newcastle showed no mercy in the second half, as they continued to pile on the misery for Sheffield United. Almiron scored the fifth goal in the 51st minute, slotting home from Wilson’s pass. Saint-Maximin added his second in the 58th minute, beating two defenders and firing a low shot past Ramsdale.
Willock made it 7-0 in the 68th minute, smashing a volley into the roof of the net from Lewis’ cross. The former Arsenal midfielder has now scored in six consecutive games for Newcastle since joining on loan in January. Lewis rounded off the scoring in the 82nd minute, drilling a shot into the bottom corner from outside the box.
BBC Sport comments from neutrals
The remarkable performance by Newcastle United drew a lot of praise and admiration from neutral fans on BBC Sport. Many commented on how Eddie Howe has transformed the team since taking over from Steve Bruce in November. Howe has led Newcastle to 10 wins and two draws in his 15 games in charge, scoring 36 goals and conceding only 12.
Some of the BBC Sport comments from neutrals are:
- “Wow! What a performance by Newcastle! Eddie Howe is doing wonders with that team. They look like a completely different side from the one that was struggling under Bruce. They have some quality players like Wilson, Saint-Maximin and Willock who can hurt any defence. I hope they win the League Cup and qualify for Europe next season.”
- “As a Liverpool fan, I have to say I’m very impressed by Newcastle. They play with such flair and intensity, and they have some exciting talent. Eddie Howe deserves a lot of credit for turning them around so quickly. He has given them an identity and a purpose. They are a joy to watch.”
- “Newcastle are playing some of the best football in the league right now. They have a great balance between attack and defence, and they have some fantastic individual players who can make things happen. Eddie Howe has done an amazing job with them. He has made them believe and enjoy their football again. They are a real threat to anyone.”
- “I’m not a Newcastle fan, but I have to admit I’m very happy for them. They have suffered so much under Ashley and Bruce, and they deserve some success. Eddie Howe has been a breath of fresh air for them. He has brought out the best in their players and given them a style of play that suits them. They are playing with confidence and passion, and they are scoring goals for fun. They have a chance to win their first trophy since 1969, and I hope they do it.”
