EPL: Sheffield United Earns First Win As Relegation Looms

Sheffield United coach Chris Wilder would not allow his next fixtures to dampen the joy of a first win of the season on Tuesday as the Blades remain nine points below the Premier League safety zone and face Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Manchester City in their next three games.

Billy Sharp's second-half penalty proved enough to secure a 1-0 triumph over 10-man Newcastle United and snap a 17-match winless streak in the league since the start of the campaign.

It was thoroughly deserved and their football was reminiscent of last season when Chris Wilder's side challenged for a European spot before finishing ninth.

Even during this campaign, in which they had lost 15 and drawn two of their first 17 games, the Blades have not suffered any real drubbings, but points have proved elusive.

Wilder summed up his feelings after the whistle.

READ ALSO: Sheffield United Signs Brewster From Liverpool For £23.5M

"(186 days without a win...) I have been counting! Every minute of every hour of every day! It feels good, I'm delighted," Wilder, who got the Sheffield club promoted back to the top flight in 2019, said.

"We should have got more results, we know that, but the performance was good. We played with the identity that has been the way we have played for the last few years.

"I imagine the sending off and the penalty will be talked about but in my opinion, we were valued for the victory tonight."

Few would disagree. Even before Ryan Fraser was sent off for Newcastle just before the break, Sheffield United were totally on top, playing some eye-catching fluent football.

While there was joy at last for Wilder, the pressure is mounting on Newcastle manager Steve Bruce whose team are now winless in six league games and down in 15th spot.