Yahoo News Newcastle 5-1 Sheffield Utd player ratings: Isak takes man of the match and three others score high
Newcastle United walloped Sheffield United 5-1 to stay on course for a place in Europe for the second season running.
Newcastle fell behind on four minutes after Anel Ahmedhodzic was given the freedom of the Gallowgate End to flick home. But with 26 minutes gone, Alexander Isak grabbed an equaliser after Jacob Murphy provided a fine pass down the right-hand flank and he finished confidently from an angle to make it 1-1.
Sheff United had other chances and Ben Brereton-Diaz and Andre Brooks were denied by a Dan Burn clearance then the woodwork in two separate openings. After the break, Bruno Guimaraes put United ahead before Isak slotted home a penalty to make it 3-1 just after the hour.
A Ben Osborn own goal and Callum Wilson's strike from the bench to complete the rout.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe's transfer warning and Bruno clause truth at Newcastle United
Here's how the players rated overall:
Martin Dubravka 7
Furious to see Ahmedhodzic unmarked in the area for the early opener. But made some key saves before the break and stayed calm in the second-half.
Tino Livramento 9
Grew into the game and had a hand in couple of the goals. Almost 100 touches and looked very slick.
Fabian Schar 6
Never looked comfortable after pulling a muscle. Taken off after the first half despite trying to battle on.
Dan Burn 8
Some vital contributions as he held the defence together. Some key challenges and big clearance in the first half after Diaz tapped at goal.
Lewis Hall 7
Offered plenty going forward and had one of his best games for the Magpies.
Sean Longstaff 7
Did not look assertive in the first half and lost the ball in lead-up to the opener. Better after the break.
Bruno Guimaraes 9
A major contribution for Newcastle. Headed United ahead and had 110 touches.
Elliot Anderson 8
Steamed into a big tackle to set the tone after United fell behind. Afforded a warm ovation.
Jacob Murphy 7
Provided an assist and kept he Sheff United defence on their toes.
Anthony Gordon 9
Another to arrive for the second half. One assist and had a hand in the other.
Alexander Isak 9
Another two goals and had Sheff United rocking. Ice cold penalty. Man of the match. Found his composure when Newcastle needed it.
Subs
Emil Krafth 7 (for Schar 46)
Sent on at half-time and did OK.
Callum Wilson 7 (for Anderson 66)
Took his chance really well and grabbed first goal since October.
Harvey Barnes 7 (for Murphy 66)
Bounced back from Palace with an assist.
Alex Murphy (for Hall 82)
Matt Ritchie (for Gordon 82)
Here's how Newcastle players rated in the first half:
Martin Dubravka 7
Has had plenty to do and made some important stops. Furious to see Ahmedhodzic unmarked in the area for the early opener.
Tino Livramento 6
Feeling his way into the game after coming back from an ankle injury.
Fabian Schar 6
Looks like he's struggling with an injury that was deemed bad enough for Krafth to get stripped.
Dan Burn 7
A vital clearance to keep things level.
Lewis Hall 7
A steady presence going forward. Forced big save from the keeper late in the first half.
Sean Longstaff 6
Has not look assertive. Loss of possession led to opener for the Blades.
Bruno Guimaraes 6
Working hard enough but nothing has come off.
Elliot Anderson 7
Steamed into a big tackle to set the tone after United fell behind.
Jacob Murphy 6
Can be happy enough with his assist but needs to test Sheff United's full-back more.
Anthony Gordon 6
A little bit off the boil by his own high standards.
Alexander Isak 8
One chance, one very ice cold finish.
