Cats exact revenge as timid Magpies go missing in derby

NEWCASTLE

- By LEE RYDER

United were forced into an instant inquest after a meek surrender at the Stadium of Light.The game ended in a 20-man bust-up after Joe Willock’s challenge on the goalkeeper came when the game had already drifted away from Newcastle. If only they'd displayed such fighting spirit in the first moments of the game rather than the 94th minute.

But if the sound of the final whistle was haunting enough to Geordie ears, the Black Cats served up revenge for the FA Cup defeat in 2024.

Back then, Jason Tindall had herded the Newcastle players towards the Toon Army to pose for a team picture.

And that was not forgotten as, moments after the final whistle, Sunderland staff ordered the Black Cats over to the home fans to serve up a cold dessert after the 1-0 win.

Eddie Howe had tried to get tough when hauling off £222m worth of talent off to try to perform a rescue act. Unfortunately, that did not arrive for the Magpies, who managed just two shots on target.

The first challenge of the day inevitably resulted in a foul as Bertrand Traore took down Lewis Hall, but the subsequent free-kick was dealt with by Sunderland. Newcastle struggled to win possession in the early stages but got a glimpse of goal on eight minutes. Nick Woltemade tried to play in Anthony Elanga, but the Sweden star did not read the pass.