Newcastle vs Sunderland Post-Match Review

The North's most anticipated battle has come to an end with Sunderland snatching the win in a cinematic 2-1 victory. Here's your post-match rundown!

(Image credits to @skysports on Instagram) 

After their defeat at the Stadium of Light in December 2025, Newcastle hosted their rivals at St James Park for a highly anticipated second match of the season between the North's favourites. The match started with a highly tense and passionate atmosphere at St James’ Park, leading to the first goal of the match. At only 10 minutes into the game, Anthony Gordon scored for Newcastle United, assisted by German striker Nick Woltemade, who directed the ball into the bottom-right corner of the Black Cats' goal. Many more goal chances were created up until the half-time whistle, with the first yellow card being dealt to Sunderland's Trai Hume after committing a cynical foul on Newcastle's Anthony Elanga. 

The Second half of the Tyne-Wear derby started strongly with Sunderland maintaining most possession. In the 51st minute, Newcastle's Sven Botman received on-field treatment after a collision with the Black Cat's Brobbey, leading to a concussion substitution where Malick Thiaw was brought on for the Toon. Shortly after, Sunderland scored their first goal of the game with a corner kick by Xhaka, which was converted by Talbi. This was followed by an array of opportunities for both Tyne and Wear sides, making us sit on the edges of our seats in anticipation; this was put to rest in the 76th minute, when Newcastle's Malick Thiaw powered a header into the corner. The celebrations were short-lived as referee Anthony Taylor withdrew the goal due to Newcastle's Murphy impeding Ellborg's line of sight. 

After a massive letdown for the Toon, the match continued with Newcastle's defensive line slowly slipping away and leaving room for Sunderland to create more chances, of which they eventually took advantage. In the 90th minute, late substitution Le Fee fed the ball into the box where Brobbey scored on the second attempt of breaking Aaron Ramsdale's defence. In celebration, Brobbey swung off his shirt in front of the Leazes Stand - this led to a booking by default. 

After an agonising 10 minutes of extra time, the final whistle was blown to ring in Sunderland's victory. This meant Newcastle now stood with Sunderland, defeating them twice in one season, both away and at home. Sunderland now holds the record for most games undefeated in a row (11) in the Premier League out of both clubs. 

For Sunderland, it is celebrations all around as they now keep their title as the North's champions. For Newcastle, however, many fans will be denied the right to be happy as the rivalry never runs short between the two clubs. Who will win next time? 

Article written by Isabel Watson