Sunderland beat Newcastle United 2-1 at St. James’ Park on Sunday.
Wayne Rooney has claimed that Sunderland’s “massive” win over Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon is just the latest high point in an “unbelievable” season for the Black Cats.
Regis Le Bris’ side came from behind to snatch all three points from their bitter rivals courtesy of a last minute Brian Brobbey strike at St. James’ Park, leapfrogging the Magpies in the table and ensuring that they completed a Premier League double over Eddie Howe’s men this season.
The result takes Sunderland to 43 points, 14 clear of the relegation zone with just seven matches remaining, and speaking during an appearance on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney himself praised the Black Cats for both their supremacy in the North East, and their achievements writ large since returning to the top flight.
He said: “To win both games, both derbies, is massive and that's why I was saying I think the Newcastle fans pride themselves on them games as well and to lose the two games, it'd be hard for them, but to come up and win the two derbies, to be in a position they are in the league, I think they've had an unbelievable season.”
Rooney was then asked whether Sunderland boss Le Bris should be in the running for the Premier League’s Manager of the Year award, responding: “Yeah, he has to be. He has to be. I think if Arsenal win it, you've got to give it to [Mikel] Arteta, like, but...”
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What else did Wayne Rooney say following Sunderland’s win over Newcastle United?
Elsewhere, the ex-Manchester United striker delivered a message to disgruntled Newcastle fans following their side’s second-half capitulation on Sunday. A vocal section of the Toon Army have since questioned head coach Howe and his position at the club in the wake of another defeat to Sunderland and a 7-2 drubbing at the hands of Barcelona in the Champions League last week, but Rooney has insisted that the 48-year-old remains the right man for the job at St. James’ Park, while also reminding supporters that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
He said: “I'd just say to the Newcastle fans, be careful what you wish for. Because I've heard this a few times now where they're booing and people are questioning Eddie Howe. Eddie Howe is one of the best managers in the Premier League, no doubt.
“And don't push him out, don't keep pushing because you let emotions take over and you lose a game against Sunderland. And I know they haven't been great in the league this season, and they have had injuries and they've struggled to replace [Alexander] Isak’s goals from last season. But just be careful what you wish for because, honestly, there's no doubt he's a top manager.”
Howe and his players were booed by their own fans during a lap of appreciation after the final whistle at St. James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, with pressure continuing to mount on the Magpies head coach following a patchy run of form heading into the current international break.
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