NEWCASTLE United took a giant leap towards Premier League safety with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over 10-man Sheffield United at an empty St James’ Park, moving them on to 38 points with eight matches remaining.

Joelinton’s first league goal at home cemented the win after strikes from Allan Saint-Maximin and Matt Ritchie had followed John Egan’s red card five minutes into the second half. Chris Wilder’s men were handed just their third away league defeat, and have lost ground in their hunt for European qualification.

Steve Bruce admitted it was sad supporters couldn’t attend the game, but was “pleased” that Joelinton could lift some of the pressure on him.

"I am sure the fans will have been watching at their homes with a beer and are now celebrating,” he said.

"My staff said that this could only happen to me. We won 3-0 and nobody was here to see it!”

“Joelinton wants to do well. Of course it’s been difficult for him; we’ve been working on getting him in that area. We’re very, very pleased.”

After a slow start, Newcastle began to assert themselves on the game. Saint-Maximin’s first dribble caused Sheffield United’s defence to retreat, but nobody was there to meet his byline cross.

Long distance efforts from Ritchie and Jonjo Shelvey then sandwiched the best opening for either side in the first quarter. Saint-Maximin found Miguel Almiron in space with the visitors out of shape after pushing forward, and the Paraguayan was alert in sliding through Joelinton, who scuffed his effort when closing in on Dean Henderson.

Not long after half-time, Egan, who had been booked earlier for a clash with Joelinton, was sent off for holding the Newcastle striker back as he looked to get in on goal.

The hosts took the lead soon after. Enda Stevens completely misjudged Ritchie’s tame pass, allowing Saint-Maximin to pounce and slam the ball past a helpless Henderson.

Billy Sharp failed to level the scores moments later, when he headed George Baldock’s cross wide having found him with a brilliant cross-field pass in the build-up. At the other end, Almiron should have doubled Newcastle’s lead, but his effort was straight at Henderson.

Ritchie did grab their second goal with just over 20 minutes remaining. The visitors failed to close him down, and he lashed an effort into the roof of the net from the edge of the box.

Prior to being replaced by Andy Carroll, Joelinton netted his first league goal in over 300 days, tapping home Almiron’s cross to round off a superb return to action for Newcastle.

Wilder said he has been frustrated by talk of Europe, and admits his side have been “average” since returning from lockdown, following a draw with Villa last week.

“I’m sick and tired of people talking about Europe & Champions League,” he said.