Newcastle United become the first Premier League club to lose to a historically bad Sheffield United side.
Over the weekend, Newcastle United took Arsenal into extra time in their FA Cup third round matchup. Today, they earn the honor of being the first club in the Premier League to lose to Sheffield United this season.
With Ryan Fraser sent off right before the break and an ultra-defensive approach, Newcastle United were the second-best team on the pitch today against a club that only had two points from their previous matches. Billy Sharp converted a penalty for the lone goal in the second half and that was all that was needed.
The Blades, who hold five points on the campaign, outshot Newcastle by ten shots and held 67% of possession. Against a club yet to score double-digit goals this season, Steve Bruce elected to play with five players on the backline and bunker down defensively. Sheffield United picked up their first Premier League clean sheet in 21 matches.
In a season filled with multiple low moments for the club and Bruce in particular, this absolutely is the lowest. This match was an embarrassment to the historic club and the diehard supporters. The Bruce Out shouts will reach maximum volume now and rightfully so.
We all know how Mike Ashley operates and this match won’t likely change his mind. But, this is a fireable offense for a Newcastle United manager.
Did the players do their job? Of course not. But, they were put in a losing position by a manager that clearly can’t succeed at this level.
What’s Next?
The Magpies will try to get past this devastating defeat when they return to the Emirates to play Arsenal on Monday in Premier League action. The Gunners face Crystal Palace on Thursday as they attempt to climb up from the middle of the table.