OPINION
Newcastle United will travel to Sheffield United on Thursday full of confidence after claiming a 2-2 draw against Manchester City.
Goals from Jetro Willems and Jonjo Shelvey handed Steve Bruce’s side a point against the champions despite falling behind twice at St James’ Park.
Sheffield United only managed to win one game in November, and have drawn their last three fixtures despite taking the lead against Wolves and Manchester United.
Jermaine Jenas has spoken out on the Blades’ struggles to turn their draws into three points, claiming that teams could take advantage of them when they meet.
Jenas was speaking on Match of the Day 2, as quoted by Shields Gazette, claiming that Chris Wilder will have been frustrated after their 1-1 draw against Wolves.
“He (Wilder) must have been really frustrated, they created so many chances, I felt like they dominated at least seventy minutes of this game,” he said.
The former Magpies’ midfielder went on to claim that the Blades’ lack of killer instinct in the final third during this season is an area that they need to improve in.
“But that (wasting chances) is happening a little bit too much, where they’re getting in great positions and not punishing teams, and you just knew that Wolves were going to get back into this game…punish them, have that killer instinct.”
Sheffield United have proved time and time again that they struggle to blow teams away, and that is something that Newcastle have thrived on at times.
The Magpies have picked up points in tough games such as the draw against City and the win over Bournemouth, where they fell behind in both, but after not being put away, they managed to come back and earn some points from unlikely positions.
Given Jenas’ comments on their next opponents, Newcastle could certainly take advantage of the Blades if they struggle in the final third once again.
