A Sunderland hero has reflected on his iconic goal against Newcastle United - admitting he may not have taken the shot in different circumstances
Former Sunderland midfielder David Vaughan has been reflecting on his iconic Tyne-Wear derby goal against Newcastle United, admitting even he may not have taken the shot had the scoreline been tighter.
Speaking to SAFC.com, Vaughan looked back on the memorable 3-0 win at St James’ Park in April 2013 - a result that proved crucial in Sunderland’s fight for Premier League survival and delivered one of the club’s most famous derby days in recent history.
Vaughan’s stunning long-range effort sealed the victory late on, capping a dominant performance under Paolo Di Canio. “I scored a few goals from distance for Sunderland throughout my career really. I just saw the opportunity to have a shot. If it was a closer scoreline, I might not have done it! Luckily for me, it came off.”
That strike came with Sunderland already 2-0 ahead, Di Canio having already produced his now-iconic knee slide on the touchline. .“It’s a special day,” he continued. “When I was at Sunderland, a lot of the players lived in the Newcastle area. People in the area were fine with you right up until derby day!
“For Sunderland fans, it means a lot to them to get a result. It’s probably the two games of the season that are the most important. Until I got to play in the derby, I wasn’t expecting it to be as ferocious as it was. Obviously, people explain it to you and what the atmosphere will be like, so it’s definitely memorable. It’s one of the few memories that stick with me from my career.”
“We were down near the bottom of the league. It was coming towards the end of the season, so it was important that we got a few good results. I just remember coming off the coach and a lot of Newcastle fans were giving us grief as you’d expect, but the atmosphere was excitement, nervousness, and just hoping to get a good performance and a good result which we did. When I’m coaching now, a lot of the players who I coach who were kids at the time go on YouTube and show that goal. Maybe if it was a closer scoreline, it might not have done it. Luckily for me, it came off!”
Asked to name his standout moment at Sunderland, Vaughan pointed straight back to that strike. “It would have to be that goal. I still get stopped now about it. Sunderland and Newcastle fans remind me of that goal in good and bad ways.”
Now watching from afar, Vaughan has also been impressed with Sunderland’s recent progress following their return to the Premier League. “It’s good to see them come back from League One, change up the philosophy and getting the younger players through the academy and from abroad, which has worked. Hopefully, long may that continue.
“Their home form has been good. If they can get into the top half, that would be a good finish. From there, they can build on next season. Hopefully, they can gradually keep building season on season. Emulate some of the other clubs that have come up to the Premier League and established themselves. Then kick on from there.”
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