Sheffield United have been officially relegated to the Championship after their latest heavy defeat of a season to forget this afternoon. The Blades have long been doomed for the drop but could have staved it off for the time being with victory at Newcastle United, a prospect that looked to have more potential when Anel Ahmedhodzic put them ahead early on.
But the hosts replied in the first half through Alexander Isak although the Blades will wonder how they went in at the break after missing a host of golden chances, with Cameron Archer the main culprit and Mason Holgate also going close with a header that smacked against the post.
Newcastle turned it on in the second half to run out 5-1 winners, with United initially awarded an injury-time penalty when Jayden Bogle was fouled by home sub Alex Murphy - only for referee Tony Harrington to change his mind after being sent to his pitchside monitor to review the challenge. Here’s how we rated United’s players on their latest dark day this season ...
5. Auston Trusty 4
Forced into some good defending to block Murphy's effort as Newcastle looked to get back into the game and then like the rest of United's defence, fell to pieces after they did so. Won't look back at the defending for Newcastle's fifth with any great pride but the damage had long been done by then | Getty Images
6. Ben Osborn 3
Filled in again at left wing-back but had a difficult afternoon, particularly in the second half as Newcastle rediscovered the swagger that had been missing in the first. Was left kicking the post in frustration after a bizarre own goal saw him flick the ball past Foderingham after a bit of pinball in the Blades box | Getty Images
7. Oliver Arblaster 7.5
United's new captain retained the armband from Old Trafford and showed no signs of nerves on another big day at one of English football's grand venues, with early composure taking him past two Newcastle men in midfield and putting his side on the front foot early. Gave up the captain's armband when Robinson came on but make no mistake, he is a leader at just 20 years old and Unitedites should enjoy him for as long as they can in their midfield | Getty Images
8. Gus Hamer 7
Delivered another big moment with a delicious deep cross for Ahmedhodzic to head home the opening goal, and could have had at least two more assists on a day that saw him become United's main attacking threat as he carried the ball from deep and looked to thread through passes to United's front two. If United can keep him and Arblaster in midfield next season, then they have a chance | Getty Images