Sunderland claimed derby bragging rights in dramatic fashion on Sunday, coming from behind to beat Newcastle United 2-1 at St. James’ Park in the Premier League.
Newcastle made the sharper start in front of a crowd of 52,253 and were rewarded in the 10th minute when Anthony Gordon fired the hosts ahead. It was the ideal opening for Eddie Howe’s side, who controlled plenty of the first-half territory and went into the interval with a 1-0 lead.
The Magpies also carried a threat throughout, finishing with 60 percent possession, nine corners and 16 total shots, but they were unable to turn that early momentum into a more commanding advantage. That kept Sunderland in the fixture, and the visitors grew stronger as the second half unfolded.
Régis Le Bris’ side found their equaliser in the 57th minute through Chemsdine Talbi, whose goal shifted the mood of the derby and gave Sunderland real belief. From there, the contest opened up, with Sunderland showing more edge in the final third despite seeing less of the ball overall.
The Black Cats ended the afternoon with 17 shots and seven efforts on target, underlining how dangerous they became on the break and in transition. They also had to dig in physically, committing 19 fouls and collecting yellow cards for Trai Hume in the 44th minute, Omar Alderete in the 82nd, Brian Brobbey in stoppage time, Noah Sadiki in the 90+4th minute, Lutsharel Geertruida in the 90+4th minute and Reinildo Mandava in the 90+9th minute.
Just when the derby appeared to be drifting toward a hard-fought draw, Sunderland produced the decisive moment. In the 90th minute, Brian Brobbey struck the winner to silence St. James’ Park and seal a memorable away victory.
It was a ruthless finish to a fiercely contested Tyne-Wear derby: Newcastle led through Gordon’s 10th-minute goal, Sunderland responded with Talbi in the 57th minute, and Brobbey settled it at the death in the 90th minute.
For Newcastle, the defeat will sting after leading at home and finishing with more possession and more corners. For Sunderland, though, this was the kind of derby day comeback supporters will remember for a long time — resilient, defiant and decided by a dramatic late goal.
