Nick Woltemade’s 46th-minute own-goal handed Sunderland a 1-0 victory over Newcastle at the Stadium of Light in the Tyne-Wear Derby.
Woltemade headed Sunderland’s winner into his own net after a cleared throw-in fell for Nordi Mukiele to cross back into the box, where the German was unable to control his attempt to head clear over the bar.
Sunderland climbed to seventh in the table whilst Newcastle stayed in 12th position.
Having failed to beat Sunderland away in the Premier League since August 2011, Newcastle began this game a point behind their North-East rivals in the table.
Eddie Howe’s Magpies however produced the first shot of the game as Anthony Elanga’s eighth-minute diagonal pass found Woltemade, but the German lacked power as his shot tamely was collected by Robin Roefs.
Neither team subsequently managed to create any notable clear-cut chances in a feisty stop-start first half until Sunderland midfielder – Granit Xhaka curled over the bar from 20 yards in the 29th minute.
Newcastle were dealt a blow before half time as Dan Burn limped off in the 42nd minute with a rib injury, following a foul from Sunderland’s Nordi Mukiele, as the opening half lacked much clinical quality to break the deadlock.
Sunderland after the break flew out of the traps with an early throw-in which was blocked out to Mukiele who calmly whipped a cross into the box, only for Woltemade to helplessly nod into the far left corner of his own goal via the underside of the bar to put the hosts ahead.
Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats continued their energetic start to the second half but were unable to extend their lead before Newcastle got on top of their local rivals, but Bruno Guimaraes’ curled 67th-minute effort was saved by Roefs.
Sunderland however had a chance to seal victory after Omar Alderete’s 73rd-minute diagonal cross to the right was met by substitute, Wilson Isidor, but the Frenchman’s tight on-the-bounce half-volley strike was punched away by Aaron Ramsdale.
Newcastle eventually dominated much of the closing stages of the derby but ultimately left Wearside with five trips without a league victory over the Black Cats since their 1-0 win in August 2011.
Le Bris “happy” with Sunderland Performance
Le Bris post-match praised his team for their performance in an interview with Sunderland’s official website as he felt that they had grafted for result to give the home crowd something to enjoy, such is the importance of the Tyne-Wear derby for both clubs.
“We will enjoy this result, but I am happy for the players, the club and the fans because they deserve it.
“I understood what this game meant to the people of the community really quickly – it was probably on the first day when I arrived!
“I am happy for the fans because it was an important game for them, and they were part of the process today.
“It is so enjoyable to feel this energy and support. The players managed the situation properly.”
Le Bris proceeded to credit his players for playing their game style and not the occasion, especially in terms of intensity and balance.
“We stayed focused on our game model and how we wanted to play. The intensity was really important because we knew that it was the key for this game. They are really intense, and we matched them.
“We weren’t too low or too high – we had the right balance.
“After that, we played our game with the ball. We were composed and really agile and flexible in managing the pressure.
“The last part was to score, and we need to be a bit more clinical in the final third.”
What’s Next?
Sunderland head to Brighton on Saturday 20 December in their last pre-Xmas game at 3pm GMT, before their next home match sees they host Leeds at 2pm on Sunday 28 December.
Newcastle are back in action on Wednesday 17 December as they host Fulham at St James’ Park in Carabao Cup Quarter-Final action, before they host Chelsea in their next league game on 20 December at 12:30pm.
Teams
Sunderland: Robin Roefs, Nordi Mukiele, Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo, Noah Sadiki, Granit Xhaka, Bertrand Traore (Hume 70′), Enzo Le Fee, Chemsdine Talbi (Mundle 83′), Brian Brobbey (Isidor 70′)
Substitutes: Simon Adingra, Lutsharel Geertruida, Trai Hume, Wilson Isidor, Eliezer Mayenda, Romaine Mundle, Dan Neil, Anthony Patterson, Chris Rigg
Newcastle: Aaron Ramsdale, Tino Livramento, Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn (Schar 42′), Lewis Hall, Lewis Miley, Sandro Tonali (Willock 59′), Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Elanga (Murphy 59′), Nick Woltemade (Wissa 75′), Anthony Gordon (Barnes 59′)
Substitutes: Joelinton, Harvey Barnes, Alex Murphy, Jacob Murphy, Jacob Ramsey, John Ruddy, Fabian Schar, Joe Willock, Yoane Wissa
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