Five Memorable Matches Between Newcastle and Sunderland

Newcastle and Sunderland face off in the Premier League today, marking the first Tyne-Wear Derby at St James’ Park in several years.

After Sunderland’s relegation from the Premier League in 2016, their rivalry went quiet. However, their promotion last season has revived this iconic match-up in English football.

In anticipation of today’s game, we highlight five notable Tyne-Wear Derbies from the Premier League era.

Newcastle 1-2 Sunderland (1999)

This match led to Ruud Gullit’s departure as Newcastle manager following a rainy Tyne-Wear Derby at St James’ Park.

Newcastle started the season poorly, without a win in four games, and Gullit made a controversial decision by dropping stars Alan Shearer and Duncan Ferguson from the lineup.

Newcastle initially took the lead with Kieron Dyer scoring in the first half. However, Sunderland equalized in the second half with Niall Quinn’s header, followed by Kevin Phillips scoring a brilliant goal to secure the win for Sunderland.

Newcastle left the pitch disappointed, and Gullit resigned three days later, making way for Sir Bobby Robson as the new manager.

Newcastle 3-2 Sunderland (2005)

Emre Belözoğlu scored a spectacular free-kick to give Newcastle a narrow victory in this thrilling 2005/06 season match.

After Emre assisted Shola Ameobi’s opening goal, Sunderland quickly leveled through Liam Lawrence. During a wild seven-minute stretch, Newcastle regained the lead with Ameobi’s second goal, but Stephen Elliott equalized for Sunderland.

Emre’s stunning free-kick early in the second half ultimately decided the match in Newcastle’s favor.

Sunderland 1-4 Newcastle (2006)

Newcastle amazed their fans with a comeback win after trailing at halftime. Sunderland initially took the lead with a goal from Justin Hoyte.

However, Newcastle rallied in the second half, with Michael Chopra equalizing, followed by Alan Shearer’s penalty and a third goal from Charles N’Zogbia within six minutes.

Albert Luque capped the victory, sending Sunderland closer to relegation.

Newcastle 5-1 Sunderland (2010)

Kevin Nolan’s hat-trick helped Newcastle dominate a match against ten-man Sunderland.

Nolan’s impressive performance began with an acrobatic goal, followed by another to double the lead. Shola Ameobi’s penalty made it three, and after Titus Bramble was sent off, Ameobi added another goal to complete the rout.

Nolan made history as the first Newcastle player in 25 years to score a hat-trick in this derby, despite a late goal from Darren Bent offering little consolation to Sunderland.

Newcastle 0-3 Sunderland (2013)

Paolo Di Canio’s management saw Sunderland secure their first win at Newcastle in 13 years.

In just his second match, Di Canio celebrated as Stéphane Sessègnon put Sunderland ahead, followed by Adam Johnson and David Vaughan scoring to solidify the unexpected victory. This win greatly enhanced Sunderland’s survival chances while troubling Newcastle’s position in the league.

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