Sunderland came from a goal down to secure a league double over Tyne-Wear derby rivals Newcastle United.
Regis Le Bris’ side found themselves behind on ten minutes after a loose ball out of defence from Luke O’Nien was seized upon by Nick Woltemade and his pass allowed Anthony Gordon to fire the Magpies in front. Despite falling behind, Brobbey’s physical presence that has become a highlight of an already memorable season still provided Eddie Howe’s defence with regular issues through the remainder of the first half.
The Black Cats remained a goal down when the half-time whistle was blown but that all changed just before the hour-mark as Chemsdine Talbi got his side back on level-terms as he fired home after the hosts failed to deal with a set-piece. Newcastle thought they had retaken the lead when Malick Thiaw headed home from a corner kick - but the celebrations were cut short after Jacob Murphy was penalised for an infringement of Sunderland keeper Melker Ellborg.
Le Bris’ men always looked the more likely of the two sides to find a winning goal as the second 45 minutes wore on and that is exactly what they did in the final minute when former Ajax forward Brobbey enhanced his already glowing reputation when he beat Aaron Ramsdale at the second attempt after the Magpies keeper had blocked his initial close range effort.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was impressed with Sunderland’s second-half performance as Brobbey’s goal ensured they stretched their unbeaten run in league derbies to a record eleventh game - and it was their match-winner who was singled out for praise after the win.
Thorn in the side
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Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “It’s ten years since they played at St James Park in the Premier League and Newcastle United just can not beat Sunderland. They can’t and what a moment for them. They probably never dreamed over these last four or five years, ten years, that they could go up against Newcastle. They got up surprisingly through the play-offs last season, and to do the double over their biggest rivals, one of the best moments those fans will remember for a very long time.
“It was coming in the second-half, Newcastle looked absolutely shattered. We mentioned they were the first team in the big five Euro leagues to play 50 games, and for Sunderland, they deserved this in the second half. They couldn’t match them physically in the second half and it’s only right that this guy got the winning goal, Brian Brobbey. He was a thorn in the side of Newcastle defenders all afternoon. What a moment.”
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