Sunderland beat Newcastle United 1-0 following a bizarre Nick Woltemade own goal this afternoon in the Tyne-Wear derby.
A date circled in red on both sets of supporters’ calendars, the Tyne-Wear derby returned in the league for the first time in almost 10 years today. Newly promoted Sunderland have been the dark horses this season, sitting comfortably mid table in 10th, and picking up big results against teams like Arsenal and Liverpool. Newcastle on the other hand may be slightly under-performing following last seasons Champions League qualification, as they started (and ended) the day in 12th place.
The Stadium of Light was packed to the rafters for the return of one of the fiercest rivalries in the English game. But it hardly started off with fireworks. Perhaps the occasion was getting to both sides as the first half appeared lively in defence, with tackles flying in, but equally nervy when either team looked to come forward. In classic Tyne-Wear derby fashion, there were appeals for a red card in the 40th minute. When the Black Cats’ Brian Brobbey stepped on Lewis Miley very late whilst on a yellow. Referee Peter Bankes waved play on, with the Dutchman arguably lucky to remain on the pitch.
The second half, however, started much more lively. Just one minute, in a cleared corner worked its way out wide to right-back Nordi Mukiele, whose delivery teased a clearance. It was met by Magpies striker Woltemade who spectacularly headed the ball towards his own goal, the ball slammed against the crossbar past Aaron Ramsdale to cue bedlam from the home fans behind his goal. A nightmare moment for the away side’s record signing, but a goal he would definitely have been proud of had it gone in at the other end.
Neither goalkeeper had much to do all game. With Robin Roefs making a fairly routine stop from Bruno Guimaraes’ long range effort. Remarkably it took Sunderland until the 74th minute register their first shot on target. Substitute Wilson Isidor took down Omar Alderete’s long pass brilliantly, and fired a shot towards Ramsdale’s near post, but the number 18 was denied by a fine stop from the former Arsenal goalkeeper.
And it wouldn’t be a proper derby without some handbags at the end. A small scuffle between the two sides saw Joe Willock, Isidor, and Guimaraes all booked for pushing and shoving in stoppage time.
In the end it was Sunderland’s day, much to their home fans’ delight. This is their first win in a derby since October 2015. Meaning they climb to seventh in the table. The Black Cats’ will now be hopeful to continue their good fortune when they visit Brighton and Hove Albion next Saturday. Whereas Newcastle will welcome Marco Silva’s Fulham to St James’ Park in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.