The Tyne-Wear Derby returned to the Premier League after nine years with a nail-biting, high-stakes encounter. Sunderland defeated their arch rivals Newcastle United 1-0 at home, thanks to an unfortunate own goal by Nick Woltemade. With the win, Sunderland move to 7th in the table, 4 points above their rivals. Here is the complete Sunderland vs Newcastle United match report.
Lineups
Régis Le Bris set Sunderland up in a 4-4-1-1 formation to combat Newcastle’s energetic midfield. Captain Granit Xhaka starred as a defensive playmaker, with Bertrand Traoré and Chemsdine Talbi operating on either wing. Brian Brobbey started as the lone striker, with Enzo Le Fée behind him.
Visitors Newcastle opted for a 4-3-3 formation. One of the most significant changes was the inclusion of Lewis Miley in the starting XI. The English midfielder earned his spot after scoring in their 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen last week. Eddie Howe named Newcastle’s third-youngest ever starting XI in a Premier League match against Sunderland (25y 15d). Nick Woltemade started up top, accompanied by Elanga and Gordon in attack
High Tension, Few Chances
The game opened to an incredible atmosphere, with the Sunderland supporters presenting a massive Wearside Black Panther tifo. Both sides started with great intensity. The crowd’s involvement was crucial for Sunderland in gaining an early psychological advantage. Unsurprisingly, it was Sunderland who controlled the game’s tempo, with Newcastle defending deep in a 4-5-1 formation, aiming to attack on the counter.
Sunderland, despite dominating possession, was unable to create any chances. Mukiele and Mandava were constantly supplying crosses into the box, but Sunderland failed to convert those chances. Dan Burn was forced to come off in the 41st minute after a challenge by Mukiele, with Fabian Schär replacing him. The biggest chance of the half came right at the break for Sunderland, when a lofted pass by Xhaka into the back post was headed high by Ballard. Nordi Mukiele was the standout in an eventless first, with the French defender completely shutting down Anthony Gordon, while also contributing to the attack.
The Mukiele Show
Sunderland had an exceptional start to the half, after a brilliant cross by Mukiele was deflected by Woltemade into his own net. It was Sunderland’s first goal against Newcastle after nine years. Newcastle, desperate for an equalizer, made a triple-change in the 59th minute, bringing on Barnes, Murphy and Willock for Gordon, Elanga and Tonali. Sunderland responded in the 70th minute, bringing Isidor and Hume for Brobbey and Bertrand Traoré. Sunderland recorded their first shot on target in the 73rd minute after Alderete’s long pass was controlled by Isidor, who forced Ramsdale to make a save in the near post. Isidor’s energy proved crucial, as his constant pressing ensured Sunderland kept control of the momentum. In the 75th minute, Eddie Howe turned to Yoane Wissa to replace Woltemade, making it only his second appearance of the season.
Newcastle almost had an equalizer as newly brought on Wissa failed to put a deflected cross into the net. Sunderland brought on Romaine Mundle for Talbi, aiming for a second goal to secure the game. Mukiele was running the show for Sunderland, being a constant threat in both attack and defence. Sunderland maintained a low, compact block in the final stages of the game, frustrating Newcastle as they failed to create any chances. In the dying minutes of the game, tempers flared as both sides were engaged in a heated exchange after Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs was fouled by Willock. Ultimately, Sunderland’s defensive stability prevailed, securing their fourth straight home victory against Newcastle for the first time in history.
Player of the Match: Nordi Mukiele
Nordi Mukiele, undoubtedly, has been the star of the match with his involvement all over the pitch. He completely shut down Newcastle’s left wing, terrorizing attackers with constant tackles. He was also Sunderland’s creative threat, delivering excellent crosses into the box. It was his cross in the 46th minute that was deflected for a match-winning own goal.
