Sheff Utd 0 – 8 Newcastle

Newcastle inflicted a devastating, record-breaking 8-0 defeat on a hapless Sheffield United to heap the pressure on Paul Heckingbottom.

The Blades looked beleaguered from the moment Sean Longstaff broke the deadlock (21), with defenders Dan Burn (31) and Sven Botman (35) extending the visitors’ lead before the break.

Heckingbottom was in need of a rousing response after the restart, but what he got was Sheffield United’s worst home defeat as Callum Wilson added a fourth (56) from a third Kieran Trippier assist.

Anthony Gordon, who was electric throughout, curled home goal number five four minutes later as the home fans headed for the exits in their droves.

Those who remained witnessed Miguel Almiron race through to add a sixth (68) and Bruno Guimaraes made it 7-0 before Alexander Isak pounced on a Tom Davies mistake to put the seal on Newcastle’s biggest Premier League away win (87).

Sheff Utd, still seeking their first Premier League win since returning to the top flight, sink to the bottom of the division with a goal difference of -12, while Newcastle rise to eighth following back-to-back wins.

Newcastle hit top gear at Bramall Lane

Never in their history have Sheffield United lost a match at Bramall Lane by this margin. This was deeply bruising and deeply damaging and one that leaves you wondering what the ripple effect of a result such as this will have on their season. The repercussions could be long-lasting and indeed terminable for Heckinbottom.

For Newcastle, it was suggested that the demands of a first European adventure in two decades might impact their domestic form. But from the catwalks of Milan, here in the Steel City they feasted on a cakewalk to delight their travelling supporters.

Eddie Howe’s team had lost three of their opening four league fixtures before Wilson’s penalty sealed their second win of the season last Saturday against Brentford. That eased the pressure on Howe and his players before Tuesday’s confidence-boosting 0-0 draw with AC Milan. Questions were asked about how the visitors would then respond following their midweek exertions but in Yorkshire came an emphatic response.

The visitors absorbed some early pressure caused primarily by the bright James McAtee, but they soon looked lost and bereft of character as Newcastle scored three goals in 14 minutes.

Gordon, an early substitute for the injured Harvey Barnes, did well to keep the ball alive on the byline, and as the home defence expected a whistle, his cutback was lashed beyond Wes Foderingham by Longstaff for his first Premier League goal in 11 months.

Sheffield United have just one point from their six Premier League games so far this season but have dropped five points thanks to goals conceded in or after the 88th minute. The home crowd continued to feel aggrieved when referee Stuart Attwell awarded Newcastle a corner despite appeals for handball from Fabian Schar.

From the resulting set piece from Trippier, Burn outmuscled Anel Ahmedhodzic to power home a second goal at the far post.

Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports: “It’s contentious. I think there’s enough time for Schar to get his arm out the way so I do have a bit of sympathy for Sheff Utd on that one.”

Howe admitted his side had fallen short so far in their bid to build on last season’s fourth-placed Premier League finish, but they were allowed to hit top gear as the Blades self-destructed.

A poor challenge from Jack Robinson allowed Trippier to send another inviting cross into the box that was glanced into the bottom corner by Botman for his first Newcastle goal on his 50th appearance.

It would get far worse for the hosts as Wilson latched onto Trippier’s delightful cross to head home 11 minutes after the break. Gordon was then found by Elliot Anderson to score from range, capping his performance.

Newcastle were not done as Guimaraes then took centre stage, setting up Almiron for a well-placed finish before the Brazilian was in the right place to tuck home following Longstaff’s shot.

Davies’ hapless headed backpass was seized on by Isak to make it 8-0 four minutes from stoppage time.

What’s next?

Sheffield United visit West Ham in the Premier League next Saturday at 3pm.

Newcastle host Manchester City in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports, kick off 8pm. The Magpies are then back in Premier League action at home to Burnley next Saturday at 3pm.