Talking Points: Sunderland Stand Tall As The Mags Are Sent Packing

Newcastle outfought by Sunderland’s warriors!

From the first minute, it was clear that the Lads wanted this more than the scared Geordies.

The match featured precious few chances for either side but Sunderland’s spirit, hunger, drive and pride was on full display. The midfield battle was won by Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki and Enzo Le Fée — latter of whom didn’t stop running for the duration of the game.

This gave us a wonderful base from which to impose ourselves and it’s fair to say that Newcastle simply couldn’t handle us. We all hoped for this from our players coming into this game, and they didn’t let us down — but frankly I expected more from that sorry lot up the road.

The first half saw a thundering tackle from Nordi Mukiele, crashing into the ribs of Dan Burn near the touchline, and whilst Mukiele did receive a yellow for the collision, it was absolutely worth it to see the world’s longest man limp off the pitch and apparently straight to the nearest doctor.

It exemplified the battling spirit we showed across the pitch and despite the referee’s best efforts, we outfought the poor black and white boys.

It was especially fitting to see Xhaka briefly come off the pitch towards the end of the game with a bloody warrior’s wound after a huge melee broke out between the two teams leading to four yellows. Our captain fully understood the task yesterday and was an excellent leader from the centre.

Reinildo was also notably fired up as expected, leaving very little in the way of caution for those he clattered into throughout the game. We even got a crunching Trai Hume leveller near the end which tied a nice bow on what was a wonderfully full-blooded performance from those in red and white.

It all just makes me so happy.

Big Dan Ballard’s redemption is complete!

This feels like a “full circle” moment for Ballard.

He was our best player against Newcastle when we played them in the ill-fated FA Cup contest almost two years ago, but succumbed to a couple of horrible moments in the form of a conceded penalty and an unfortunate own goal. It seemed unfair at the time, but summed up our day, really.

However, enter 2025 Ballard: a man reborn, a defensive colossus and a Sunderland legend in the making.

During a year in which he’s given us so many great moments and performances, I’m sure that this one will feel as good as any for Ballard, as he easily managed to swat away Newcastle’s feeble attempts on our goal, claiming a clean sheet and what I saw as a “man of the match” performance along the way.

He epitomises what the club is about days and Florent Ghisolfi’s comments highlight it — “We couldn’t just buy a Ballard from somewhere in Europe”. He’s battled through injury and heartbreak to become our most combative, intimidating defender (and that’s saying something in this Sunderland squad!).

I’m so glad we have him and long may his reign at the back last. There’s only room for one “BDB” in the North East.

The referee can’t stop the Lads

I’m almost grudgingly including the referee’s performance here, but it truly does deserve some recognition for all the wrong reasons. Somehow, the refereeing performances just seem to get worse and worse in this league — and this display could be the most spineless of the season.

From the start of the game, he was spectacularly inconsistent.

Yellows were brandished sparingly — perhaps in an attempt to let the derby flow in the early stages — but as the game developed, this didn’t seem to let up. Ballard was effectively manhandled by two Newcastle players any time he crossed the line into their box without any repercussions, and whilst penalties on each occasion would certainly have been soft, the lack of action meant that Newcastle players were welcome to essentially double team Ballard out of position and win the header themselves.

The most galling of all aspects was, however, the lack of yellows for intentional fouls which were often used as a way to break up our counter attacks.

Malick Thiaw committed numerous cynical and intentional fouls, often on Brian Brobbey (who himself should’ve seen red save for the referee’s incompetence) without any repercussions. The overall effect of this saw the Lads drop deeper and deeper into our own half to defend, as we literally couldn’t launch a counter attack without being fouled without punishment.

Awful, but even he couldn’t stop our victory march yesterday.

Nick Woltemade is the best striker in the league…confirmed

A word of admiration for what must be one of the best strikers and signings in the Premier League this season. It’s clear to see why the Newcastle supporters have made such a big deal of the arrival of the German — and big Nick delivered in the biggest game of all.

He dazzled us with a beauty of a glancing header which flew past the goalkeeper, rattled the crossbar and ended up in the back of the net, putting the biggest team in the North East 1-0 up. The stadium erupted thanks to his decisive action, and I couldn’t have been more impressed with the finish.

I look forward to seeing much of him this season, if that’s what he’s capable of in the big moments. Three cheers for Saint Nick during this festive season!

Sunderland as one

The city turned up yesterday.

The pride, the emotion and the feeling in the stadium was electric and the noise never faltered. Once upon a time, the “Stadium of Light effect” seemed like a hindrance to the players who took to the pitch in our colours, but now it’s a fortress and the ultimate source of pride.

The displays were observed immaculately ahead of kick-off and the tifo may just be the best we’ve had so far — what a beauty! It was a brilliant omen and fairly indicative of how the game played out in reality.

This is what it’s all about, isn’t it?

We’re back in the big time, but we’re not just back — we’re thriving and we’re shaking this league up, driving the team on with our passion and pride and beating the Mags along the way.

The Lads do it for Gary

A tribute to Gary Rowell was conducted after the devastating news of his passing on Saturday. He’s remembered so fondly for his contributions in derbies and I’m so glad the Lads could do him proud and get the win.

He’d have loved that performance. Rest in Peace, Gary!

FTM: “Fans Totally Mute”

Finally, a word on those that came down to gift us three points yesterday.

Their fans were awfully quiet throughout; the pretend hard men in the middle delivered absolutely nothing, and they were very generous in delivering the three points so gently to us on a platter.

I’d like to thank the richest club in the world for their brilliant Christmas gift this year…cheers!