As the dust starts to settle following yet another intense Tyne-Wear derby, we take a look at what has been said since the final whistle on Sunday. From the funny to the strange, to the brutally honest, managers, players, and pundits have had their say on Sunderland’s 2-1 victory at Newcastle on Sunday.
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Tyne-Wear Derby: What Has Been Said in The Aftermath of Sunderland’s Victory
It was a game of two halves, Newcastle were the better in the first but failed to extend a lead gifted to them. Sunderland were by far the better in the second as they came from behind to beat their bitter rivals. Here’s what has been said since.
The Managers
Sunderland Head Coach Regis Le Bris said he was proud of his players.
“It was expected to be a tough game and, unfortunately, we gave them the opportunity to score. We stayed in the game, but it wasn’t easy.
“At half-time, we found the solution and didn’t lose our minds – that was key. If we stayed connected with the identity of the club and the game plan, we knew we could find a solution to win this game.
“It was all about our togetherness and our ability to stick to the plan, because it is really easy to lose your mind in these emotional situations.
“I am really proud of our players because they were calm and composed under pressure.”
Newcastle’s Eddie Howe admits his side were poor.
“Painful, tough afternoon for us.
“I thought when we scored we’d go on and dominate the game, and then we never really capitalised on that momentum that we had. The first half fizzed out, from our perspective.
“In the second half, we were second best throughout that half. I didn’t like our performance. Technically, we were poor. Too many giveaways, too many times we gave momentum back to Sunderland.”
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The Players
Brian Brobbey: “I Won”
Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey was asked about his battle with Newcastle’s Dan Burn. His answer was short. “I think it was a good battle. In the end, I won.”
Anthony Gordon on Sunderland
Despite being beaten both at home and away by Sunderland, Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon believes his team is the better of the two. “I thought they were really poor. And then we let them into the game and basically gave them the win. The frustrating thing is, in my opinion, they’re not a very good team compared to us. We shouldn’t lose to them.”
Luke O’Nien Proud of His and the Team’s Comeback
Defender Like O’Nien gifted Newcastle their goal, but he and his team fought back to win. “I leant on the leaders, and that meant a lot to me. To come out in the second half and put on a performance, to give us a platform to kick on. I’m very proud to be a part of this team.
“The boys never give up, they keep demanding from each other, and they showed it today.
“No one fancied us apart from our own fans. To give them the three points was special, and the boys in there deserved it in the end. Whoever came up with the motto ‘til the end’, they need a statue. The last year or so, that motto represents the club.”
The Pundits
Alan Shearer Doesn’t Hold Back
Former Magpies striker Alan Shearer took to X after the final whistle, saying, “A pathetic, weak, lazy, limp second half from Newcastle again.”
Match of the Day Pundits Heap Praise on Brobbey and Sunderland
On Sunday evening, Match of the Day pundits Danny Murphy and Joe Hart discussed the game, Brian Brobbey and Sunderland. Murphy said, “How can you not love Mr Brobbey? He’s a brilliant forward, a throwback in many ways. He doesn’t mind the battle, the fight, the winning the headers, the getting the body in, bringing people into play; he’s had some great games this season. I thought the second half team performance was terrific, but he inspired it.”
Joe Hart continued, They’ve given everyone a really tough match; anyone who’s managed to beat them has had to play really well and has walked off with it.
“They were missing a lot of players today, didn’t affect them, they let a disappointing goal in early, away from home in a derby, kept cool, they had Brobbey up front, battering around, boys supporting him, I think they’ve been excellent all season.”
Featured image courtesy of SmartFrame/SportImage