On the back of a well-fought defeat against Arsenal in the FA Cup. Newcastle take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Karl Darlow came back into the net after Dubravka's first appearance against the Gunners. Many thought that Bruce would play four at the back but the toon kept to their recent formation with a 5-4-1 Yedlin and Dummet Keeping their positions from the cup defeat. No Lascelles this time instead Bruce named the familiar Trio of Clark, Schar and Fernandez who regained the captaincy. Controversially to some Jeff Hendrick started on the right of the midfield, however, it is good to see Ryan Fraser back in the side on the left. Hayden and Sean Longtaff fill-up the Center, while the talisman Calum Wilson was back upfront after resting against Arsenal.
Straight from kick off and Chris Wilders men have turned up for this. Pressing Brucy's boys in the 10th minute Burke found Lundstrum in acres of space but it was a let-off, one of many for the Mags as he drives it wide. Three minutes later, the Blades pressed again with Lundstrum this time turning provider as he threaded through the ball for McGoldrick who tried to curl the ball into the corner. Luckily it wasn't struck with conviction and Darlow got down to it well. Close call for the Geordie boys this isn't good enough.
Twenty eight minutes in and Newcastle had their first decent opportunity from a throw in on the right hand side, Fernandez who we've seen taking throw ins as of late, played a one-two with Sean Longtaff. Fernandez hit a driven cross first time into the box to find the head of Calum Wilson but just wide. Close but no cigar. But two minutes later Sheffield United were straight back down the other end with Ampadu whipping the ball in for McGoldricks head, but good defensive pressing saw him head it just wide.
Newcastle had half a chance in the 37th minute when Longstaff played a long ball to Hayden who touched it on to Yedlin, Yedlin played in Wilson but he got the ball stuck between his feet and then had his shot blocked. Two minutes later Newcastle had a penalty shout when Fraser played in a ball from the corner which was headed onto Egans arm by Fernandez. VAR looked at it and deemed it not to be deliberate. The ball found its way up the pitch onto Burke who got into the box, ready to fire it home Fernandez came out of nowhere to produce a last ditch takle to keep the blades at bay.
In the 41st minute Darlow was yet again on hand to produce a fantastic stop. Burke turned Dummet to get the ball onto his left foot. Struck it high and Darlow was equal to it. After coming back from injury Ryan Fraser will now miss three more games after picking up two yellow cards in two minutes fouling both Fleck and then Lundstrum. Ten man Newcastle whp were already struggling had a huge mountain to climb. Half time 0-0 Somehow.
50th minute in the second half Bogle on the attack picked up a poor half clearance from Yedlin, stretching to keep it in Boggle puts the ball into the bix but it is picked out by Darlow. But disaster later came in the 70th minute when Fernandez, seemingly brought down by Sharpe, he swiped the ball away with his had causing VAR to look at it for a hand ball and after three minutes of review the referee decided to award Sheffield United the decision. Up steped Sharpe to slot past Darlow sending him the wrong way. 1-0 Sheffield United.
Time for Newcastle to get back into the game and attack but it was Sheffield Uniteds Rhian Brewster who went on the Offensive. Similar to Jack Harrison in the Leeds game at Elland Road Brewster dribbles towards the edge of the area but unlike Harrison Brewster couldn't muster the finish, instead dragging it wide for a goalkick.
Eight minutes left of normal time the Mags went on the atrack with Hendrick crossing the ball into the box, he found Wilson's head but lacking power the header was comfortably saved by Rammesdale. Straight down the other end Brewster had another effort which took a deflection and hit the post. Darlow smothered the rebound. But it would be Aaron Rammesdale who would have the last laugh despite problems with his contact lenses. Murphy played in a free kick which again missed the target men in the box and was collected comfortably by the keeper.
Full Time Sheffield United 1-0 Newcastle United. Once again there is no "Howay the Lads" at the end of my article as we for the eighth time in a row have failed to win. But this one hurt the most. This was a game where two teams should have given us blood sweat and tears. But only one would be crying at the end. Many believe that this was Bruces last chance. They felt that he must win this to keep the hot seat at St James Park. But Steve Bruce has indeed failed. I'm currently writting this watching the Fan reaction show. And its sad to see a young lad speaking almost in tears. And think the young lad reflects how were all feeling. Utter dismay. I'm trying to stay positive but Bruce has to go. This is Derby County all over again. By Sam West.
Comentarios