There was a feverish atmosphere at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon as the two rivals faced off in the Premier League after nine years. The Black Cats’ last win came in 2015; in the two meetings since then they have drawn in the league and last year they were well beaten in the FA Cup.
That made this victory, decided by a bizarre own goal from Nick Woltemade, all the sweeter for Sunderland. Before today, just one point separated the teams, but that has expanded to four as the Mackems continue their unexpected assault on European football.
Sunderland are now in sixth place, sandwiched between Liverpool and Manchester United, while Newcastle, who were unbeaten in five games heading into the derby, are in 12th.
Sunderland boss celebrates ‘special’ derby win over Newcastle
“Proud and happy,” Le Bris told Sky Sports after the final whistle. “It was a derby and we were expected [to win] by our fans. This win is well deserved, we were mature and the boys were incredible.
“During the first half it was very good tactically, just small details about the shape, then it was a matter of being more clinical in the final third. We had good control and were more patient at times.”
“It was a good level of maturity, so happy for the boys and it’s good for our fans.
“It’s good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew in advance that it was a special game, but we have to reset quickly because we have another tough challenge in Brighton in a week, so let’s go again.”
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