Blades suffer Euro setback

– Newcastle dented Sheffield United’s bid to qualify for the Champions League as Joelinton scored his first Premier League goal since August in a 3-0 victory yesterday.

Steve Bruce’s side made the most of Blades defender John Egan’s second half dismissal at empty St James’ Park.

Allan Saint-Maximin (below) broke the deadlock moments after Egan’s second booking. Matt Ritchie doubled Newcastle’s lead.

With the visitors in disarray, much-maligned Brazilian striker Joelinton ended his wretched run with his first goal in the league since he netted the winner at Tottenham on 25 August.

It was only Joelinton’s fourth goal of the season and will offer hope he could still live up to the fanfare that followed his £40 million move from Hoffenheim last year.

Newcastle were playing for the first time since the March suspension of the top-flight and the victory moved them 11 points clear of the relegation zone.

It was a welcome boost amid the frustration over Newcastle’s still uncertain takeover by a Saudi Arabia-based consortium.

Speaking before the match, Bruce said: “You cannot deny it’s been a distraction but we can’t use it as an excuse.”

For Sheffield United, the defeat was another blow to their European hopes after Wednesday’s 0-0 draw at Aston Villa.

Chris Wilder’s team remain two points behind fifth placed Manchester United.

The turning point came five minutes into the second half when the Blades were reduced to 10 men.

Egan had been booked in the first half for arguing with Joelinton and the Brazilian was his tormentor again when the United defender tugged him back to earn a second yellow card.

Five minutes later Newcastle took full advantage of their numerical superiority when Saint-Maximin scored.