Newcastle United vs. Sunderland has not been a Premier League match since March 2016. Since then, the North East rivals have only met once, in the FA Cup, when Newcastle United played Sunderland in January. Newcastle won 3-0 at the Stadium of Light, and the Black Cats rolled out the red carpet. They handed the Magpies an entire stand to themselves, painted one of their bars black and white, and then gave Newcastle two of their three goals. That cup match emphasized the vast difference between the two clubs.
Newcastle were fresh off a Champions League appearance and a stunning victory over PSG, but Sunderland were showing no indications of ever leaving the Championship under Michael Beale. However, Regis Le Bris now manages them, and their fortunes have transformed. Sunderland are currently leading the Championship and hoping to return to the top flight.
Alan Shearer comments on Sunderland potentially being promoted. That would also mean the resumption of the Tyne Wear derby, which would thrill Newcastle legend Alan Shearer. On the most recent episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer was asked if he wanted to see Sunderland promoted from the Championship to the Premier League. Unsurprisingly, he took the opportunity to insult Newcastle’s main competitors before providing a serious response. “Yes, definitely,” he replied. “Absolutely. “We want Sunderland back in the Premier League because it guarantees us six points, right?”That might come back to harm me in the future. “You want to play those games. They’re fantastic derby games to play at St James’, plus it’s Sunderland.
So yes, I want them. “I do actually want them back up because they’re not only good games for the players, but for the fans to look forward to as well.” Eddie Howe’s Newcastle enjoyed the derby in January 2024. There were so many anxieties before the FA Cup match in January. Newcastle merely needed to win. They were the Premier League team with top-tier players. They were on the verge of defeat, but they handled the situation professionally and won 3-0.
And the St James’ Park crowd continues to sing about that victory, with cries of ‘who placed the ball in the Mackems’ net’ resounding whenever Alexander Isak scores. Eddie Howe’s players rose to the situation. Despite the fact that the majority of them were unfamiliar with the fixture, they did not appear intimidated. It was a resounding triumph following several poor derby performances by Newcastle squads in the past.
But Howe’s Newcastle is unique, and his team would welcome the opportunity to compete in more derbies and make more memories for the Toon Army. However, Shearer’s claim of ‘assured six points’ may be a little premature!
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