Newcastle United vs Sheffield United. Premier League.
St James' Park, NewcastleAttendance10,000.
Report and highlights as Newcastle supporters were treated to a home win on their return to St James' Park with Joe Willock’s goal enough to beat Sheffield United
Wednesday 19 May 2021 21:46, UK
Joe Willock scored for the sixth consecutive Premier League game as Newcastle beat Sheffield United 1-0 on the night that fans returned to St James' Park.
In front of a crowd of 10,000 on Tyneside, the 21-year-old headed Steve Bruce's side ahead in first-half stoppage time and that proved enough for the win as there was no way back for the Blades.
The result confirms that Sheffield United will finish bottom of the Premier League this season, while the three points lift Newcastle back above Brighton and up to 15th in the table.
Newcastle started brightly, responding to the urgings of the crowd, with Miguel Almiron soon testing Aaron Ramsdale and palpable excitement whenever the ball was at Allan Saint-Maximin's feet.
But it was Sheffield United with the first clear opening of the game and David McGoldrick, relatively impressive for the bottom club this season, who should have found the breakthrough.
Instead, when the experienced Republic of Ireland international forward ran clear of the Newcastle defence he could only measure his side-footed finish just the wrong side of the far post.
It looked to have proven costly when Jonjo Shelvey headed the ball goalwards from close range on 27 minutes but Blades goalkeeper Ramsdale produced a stunning save to deny him.
Newcastle continued to step things up as the half wore on with Saint-Maximin usually the catalyst, his astonishing dribbling skills causing all sorts of problems for the Sheffield United defence.
Joelinton missed a good chance in first-half stoppage time when he headed over following a fine cross by Jacob Murphy but the Newcastle wing-back did have his assist just moments later.
There was nothing Ramsdale could do to stop Willock's close-range header - the on-loan Arsenal man becoming the youngest player to score in six consecutive Premier League games.
Oliver Norwood skied a decent chance over the bar but as the away team pushed for an equaliser, gaps appeared at the back and Saint-Maximin was a constant threat on the counter-attack.
Even when the flying winger went off injured, Willock's appetite remained undimmed, powering through the middle and firing off a shot from distance that was straight at Ramsdale.
But with only a goal between the teams, Paul Heckingbottom's men were always in it and might have snatched an equaliser through McGoldrick only for his long-range attempt to hit the bar.
That was as close as Sheffield United came, however, as Newcastle saw out the closing stages comfortably enough - the final whistle greeted by a loud roar from the returning faithful.
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce: "The supporters were terrific, especially at the start. When you think there were only 10,000 in, it's amazing the difference. We could have put it to bed early - we missed some good chances - but some of our play was very decent. We have to keep making strides; we've got the makings of a half-decent team."
On the possibility of signing Willock: "We have to respect that he's Arsenal's player. He's only 21 but if we can we'd love to bring him here of course. He's had a wonderful three months so let's see if we can. We've given him a freedom and you can see a young lad enjoying his football. He's been a great signing."
On Saint-Maximin's performance and injury latest: "We don't know if it's a calf or a kick. We hope not [that it's anything too serious]. It looked a bit innocuous; whether it's a sprain or a kick, he's not sure, so we'll see how he is in the next 24 hours.
"I've said from day one that people will enjoy watching him. He's got ability that gets you off your seat. Some of the stuff he does off the cuff is not coachable. He's still got a lot to do, the final bit, but his talent is there for everyone to see."
Sheffield United interim boss Paul Heckingbottom: "We started well and frustrated Newcastle but missed two or three really good opportunities and then had a sloppy period where they scored. It was the story of the season.
"I can't fault the spirit and determination but we didn't cause them enough problems; we had a lot of the ball and territory.
"The young players are getting a chance because they're good enough and the squad will come back stronger next season. It was a different atmosphere with fans; I'm really looking forward to them coming in on Sunday."
Newcastle wrap up their season against Fulham at Craven Cottage, a fixture in which Scott Parker's team had briefly hoped would see them overhaul the visitors before slumping to relegation.
Sheffield United's season concludes in front of their own supporters at Bramall Lane when they welcome Burnley. The Blades were sixth last time they had fans in the stadium in March 2020.
