An electric performance from the Magpies as we ran riot at Bramall Lane in a record-breaking 8-0 win. We were back to our vibrant attacking selves and blew the Blades away, with EIGHT different players scoring for the first time in Premier League history.
Here’s our ratings following a memorable win in South Yorkshire:
Nick Pope – 7 – Didn’t really have anything to do all afternoon. Front seat for a footballing masterclass from his other teammates.
Kieran Trippier – 10 – Too good for Sheffield United. Hat-trick of assists and could’ve had more. Set piece delivery was on the money all afternoon and he made a big block early on to stop Luke Thomas’ goal-bound shot. Ridiculous good performances this week at Milan and again in Sheffield. We are so lucky to have a player of his quality, leadership and composure. World class operator.
Fabian Schar – 8 – Dominant performance, carried the ball out of defence with ease and read the game well to cut out early Sheffield attacks. Commanding performance from the Swiss defender.
Sven Botman – 9 – Absolute brick wall at the back alongside Schar. Brilliant header for his goal glancing it past the helpless Sheffield United goalkeeper. Passed the ball brilliantly into midfield all afternoon and looked the absolute business, mopping up long balls with ease.
Dan Burn – 8 – Bossed the left hand side of the game, chipping in with a brilliant header for our second goal. He’s been criticised of late, but a goal, rock solid display, another clean sheet and a few decent balls into the box proved why Howe went with the big man again.
Elliot Anderson – 9 – Full of energy, got stuck in and was a thorn in Sheffield United’s side all game. They couldn’t live with him. Didn’t stop running all afternoon, combative in the tackle and penetrative with his passing and forward play. Mature yet, classy performance from the Geordie youngster. Coming of age showing from the Whitley Bay youngster.
Bruno Guimaraes – 9 – A class above the Sorry Sheffield United midfielders who just couldn’t get near him. World class performance from the Brazilian who completely tore Sheffield United apart. Took his goal with unbelievable class, smashing one into the top right corner from close range, set up Almiron’s goal and created a host of openings. Looks back to his best and gave it the big one after scoring.
Sean Longstaff – 9 – Superb all game, covering so much ground and cutting Sheffield United open with some bursting runs. Took his goal beautifully with a side footed left foot finish. Brilliant performance from the North Shields man who did not stop running all afternoon and battled on brilliantly after a few heavy challenges.
Miguel Almiron – 8 – Our only real quiet player in the first half, but he brought some zip to our attack when he got on the ball. Caused havoc in the second half and took his goal beautifully, making a brilliant run inside before finishing emphatically.
Harvey Barnes – N/A – Forced off with an injury early on, so unfair to give a mark. Looked absolutely gutted. Let’s hope it’s nothing serious and he’s back soon.
Callum Wilson – 8 – Missed a handful of chances in the first half – on another day he’d have at least two – but his second half header was the least he deserved. Made so many good runs, linked the play well and regularly outmuscled Egan, who could never get close to him.
Substitutes:
Anthony Gordon – 10* – I don’t give 10s out much but I’m struggling not to give Gordon one here. Absolutely electric performance after replacing the injured Barnes early on. Had the Sheffield United right back on toast, assisting Longstaff brilliantly for his goal. Every-time he got the ball it looked like we would score. Scored a superb goal after cutting in from the left and firing into the far corner from outside of the box. So much pace, energy and intent behind his play. Worked his socks off and should’ve won us a penalty, too. Best performance I’ve seen from an individual this season – unplayable!
Alexander Isak – 8 – Took his goal beautifully, sitting the Sheffield United defender down with ease. Unbelievable composure from the Swedish striker.
Tino Livramento – 7 – Looked lively coming off the bench for the masterful Trippier. Got down the line well and put crosses into the box.
Lewis Hall – 6 – Nice for him to get some minutes , plenty more to come from him. Was fairly quiet – most of our attacks came down Livramento’s side after the pair came on – but it was good to see him feature for the first time.
