Sheffield United’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed as Newcastle recovered from a sluggish start to thrash Chris Wilder’s side at St James’ Park.

Anel Ahmedhodzic’s header gave the struggling Blades the lead early on at St. James’ Park, but Isak’s typically cool finish levelled matters in a nervy first half.

And after the restart, a diving header from Bruno Guimaraes, a penalty from Isak, a Ben Osborn own goal and an emphatic Callum Wilson finish eased the Magpies past the visitors, confirming their relegation from the Premier League – but, crucially, boosting Eddie Howe’s side’s hopes of securing qualification for Europe in the process.

The hosts fell behind to Ahmedhodzic’s header in the Blades’ first attack of the afternoon. It came following a pinpoint, inswinging cross from Gustavo Hamer, who picked out the centre half in the box and his header was firm and low, beating Martin Dubravka.

Newcastle looked to respond swiftly, with Sean Longstaff seeing a shot blocked and Jacob Murphy curling wide, but the next best opening fell the way of the visitors. Cameron Archer could have made it two after cutting in from the left and shooting, but Dan Burn got across just in time, throwing himself in the way of the shot.

Longstaff saw another effort charged down and at the other end, Ben Brereton Diaz stung Dubravka’s palms with an angled drive, but one moment of quality was all it took for the Magpies to draw level. Murphy’s neat through ball down the right channel was perfect for Isak, whose low, first-time finish was unerring.

The Swedish forward fired wide again but Chris Wilder’s side rallied. Ahmedhodzic threaded a pass through for Brereton Diaz, who rounded Dubravka but found Burn sliding in, once again, at the critical moment to block his goalbound shot.