Sunderland v Newcastle: Why the Tyne-Wear derby means so much
Hughton need not worry.
His side is over Defeated Sunderland 5-1 It was at St James’ Park in 2010, but Newcastle have only won a single derby in the Premier League since then.
In fact, Sunderland have won six of their last seven top-flight matches.
Former Black Cats manager Gus Poyet managed half of those victories and was quick to note that the fixture was “much bigger” than many outsiders thought.
“After family, the most important thing for the people of Sunderland is the club,” he said.
“It’s so intense that the result of the club can change the mood of the city, so imagine the result of the derby. You can feel it.
“On the first day they said to me, ‘Please stay up, but you.’ absolute Beat Newcastle’. “I still don’t know what’s more important, staying up or beating Newcastle.”
Sunderland, like Newcastle before them, finally escaped relegation in 2017 and remained outside the top flight for eight years.
So when they last met in the FA Cup third round, nearly two years ago, these rivals were separated by one group.
And the contrast was very sharp.
The total cost of Sunderland’s starting squad on the day was only a small fraction of the £40 million Newcastle spent on Joelinton.
Free transfer Alex Pritchard was by far the most experienced name in the home team’s starting 11. He is only 30 years old.
“I don’t think the fans really believe deep down that we will win this game,” the former midfielder said. “But it’s different now.”
In many ways.
Dan Ballard and Trai Hume look set to be the only survivors of Sunday’s 3-0 defeat in the starting XI, with the inspired arrivals of Granit
Sunderland also have a different manager in Regis le Bris, of course.
Not only did the Frenchman lead Sunderland to promotion, but his fearless side competed with the best teams in the top tier.
In fact, Manchester City are the only team in the current top six to have beaten Sunderland this season, while Le Bris’ side are unbeaten on home soil.
Such an impressive start to the season means Sunderland go into Sunday’s game one point ahead of Newcastle.
So it’s set to be a riveting afternoon as these rivals restart hostilities at the Stadium of Light.
“Sunday will come when the world will know that the North East is back on the map with the best of games,” Taylor added.
