Black Cats have bragging rights…..again!
Sunderland have the bragging rights once again over Newcastle United after beating them 3-0 at the Stadium of Light this lunch-time.
It was a must-win game for both teams, with both sitting in the relegation zone after struggling starts to the new season, and it was Sam Allardyce‘s side who prevailed.
The Black Cats have won the last several Tyne-Wear Derbies, and it’s happened after recently appointing new managers, so with Allardyce taking charge in his first home game, it looked like there was only going to be one winner.
However, during the first-half, it was Newcastle who were the better side.
Match Summary
Despite having most of the ball, the Magpies couldn’t create anything of note and just before half-time, the game changed in favour for the hosts.
Fabricio Coloccini bundled Steven Fletcher to the ground inside the penalty area, and the Black Cats were given a spot-kick with the Newcastle captain dismissed.
Adam Johnson stepped up and calmly slotted home to give the hosts the lead going into half-time.
Although they were down to 10-men, Newcastle could and should have pulled level when Aleksandr Mitrovic became free inside the Sunderland box. However he saw his shot saved by Costel Pantilimon.
The man advantage finally came into fruition when Billy Jones made it 2-0 just after the hour mark, turning home from close range.
The game was then wrapped up in style for the hosts in the 86th minute when Fletcher lashed home to make it 3-0.
Sunderland remain in the relegation zone following the win, but have leapfrogged their rivals Newcastle into 18th place, with the Magpies dropping to 19th.
Both sides however are on six points.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
