Premier League news: Red and White delight as Sunderland defeat Newcastle in Wear-Tyne derby

The bragging rights of a first Premier League meeting between Sunderland and Newcastle in over nine years belongs to the Wearsiders, as The Black Cats outfought the Magpies to win 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.

In a fixture which brought the North East to a standstill, it was Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade who broke the deadlock as he powered home a bullet header in the early moments of the second half.

The only problem was, it was the back of his own net that the big German found, giving Sunderland a 1-0 lead.

Though the Magpies huffed and puffed, they never looked like breaking down the Mackems as Sunderland went on to taste victory in a game that meant so much more than just the three points.

So, now that the dust is beginning to settle, what were the key details from the 158th meeting between these bitter enemies that made all the difference?

Sports News Blitz writer Joseph Ould takes a look.

Sunderland’s full-back excellence

A key battle in this game was always going to come on the flanks, with Newcastle’s pacey wingers coming up against a pair of full-backs who have been on top form this season.

The Geordies opted to play Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga on the wings with the task of keeping them quiet, falling to Nordi Mukiele and Reinildo Mandava.

To say the Sunderland full-backs did that would be an understatement.

Reinildo and Mukiele dominated from start to finish, not giving the widemen a sniff.

Mukiele was also responsible for the wicked delivery which saw Woltemade guide the ball into his own net.

After a fruitless afternoon, both Gordon and Elanga were substituted just before the hour mark, being replaced by Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy, who equally got no change from the Sunderland full-backs.

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Centre-forward contrast

Woltemade has had a great start to life on Tyneside, quickly becoming a fan favourite. On Sunday however, the German had an awful day which was capped off by his bizarre own goal.

Winning zero ground duels and only two of eight aerial duels, Woltemade was bullied all day long by Dan Ballard and Omar Alderete.

While it is true that the striker had a lack of service, Newcastle could not rely on their big centre-forward to hold up the ball and bring others into play, with Woltemade completing only two passes all game.

The same could not be said for Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey, who battled hard against the Newcastle defense and won over 60% of both his aerial and ground duels in the game.

On his first start at the Stadium of Light, Brobbey was a constant option for the Black Cats, making himself a nuisance and winning more fouls than anyone else in the game.

As was to be expected from a man making only his second start of the campaign, the Dutchman tired in the second half and was replaced by Wilson Isidor in the 70th minute, receiving a standing ovation as he left the pitch.

Different levels of desire

In the build up to the game, both managers and captains told their supporters that they understood the enormity of this fixture. Yet on the pitch it appeared only one side felt that desire to win the game.

Newcastle’s cautious approach to the game was evident, allowing Sunderland to dominate possession in the first half in the hopes of hitting the hosts on the break.

Eddie Howe’s gameplan was forced into change when they fell a goal behind immediately following half time, but they still couldn't trouble the Sunderland defense.

In truth, Newcastle never really laid a glove on Sunderland.

From minute one Regis Le Bris’ side looked more motivated than their visitors as they avenged the F.A Cup defeat they suffered against Newcastle two years ago.

The Sunderland players clearly hadn't forgotten what happened last time out against their rivals as they proceeded to recreate the photo Newcastle took when they beat the Mackems in the cup.

Black Cat’s captain, Granit Xhaka described the photo as “karma” whilst praising his team’s effort and application on derby day.

Conversely, NUFC skipper Bruno Guimaraes told the media he felt "embarrassed", calling his side's performance “a mess”.

For the first time since his arrival at Newcastle, it feels like the number of Howe’s doubters is beginning to grow.

Sunderland now sit level on points with fifth place Crystal Palace, four points above Newcastle.

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So, what next for the teams?

After an extremely damaging day, Newcastle can't afford to feel sorry for themselves for too long as they host Fulham in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

A win is crucial, if the mood is to be lifted on Tyneside.

As for Sunderland, they travel to the Amex Stadium next Saturday to face Brighton and Hove Albion.

Confidence will be sky high for the Black Cats as they continue to defy all odds on their remarkable return to the Premier League.

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