NEWCASTLE outclassed Sunderland at the Stadium of Light to win the first Tyne-Wear derby since 2016.
The Toon went into the match having failed to beat their fierce rivals in August 2011.
Eddie Howe’s side took the lead on 35 minutes when Sunderland ace Daniel Ballard shanked Joelinton’s cross into his own net.
Alexander Isak then made it two barely 30 seconds into the second half.
Ballard’s afternoon went from bad to worse late on when he brought down Anthony Gordon in the box.
Isak grabbed his second of the afternoon from the penalty spot to secure a dream afternoon for Toon fans.
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After the game, local lad Dan Burn gushed about the importance of beating Sunderland.
He told ITV: “It’s special. Obviously I think there was a lot of build-up to the game, so to come through with a win and a clean sheet, I am very happy.
“It was the mentality. It’s been a long time since we have played this sort of game, but I think everyone was excited.
“I think if you had asked the fans whether they would want to go through to the Champions League or beat Sunderland, I am pretty sure they would have said beat Sunderland.”
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Appearing on ITV as a pundit, former Black Cats boss Roy Keane was unimpressed with his former side’s defending.
The Irishman said: “They’re young players and they’re going to learn from their mistakes, but when I see defenders trying to beat players in the box, I just think it’s madness.
“He’s not trying to pass, he’s trying to beat him and then it’s game over. Newcastle were at it with their pressure and energy, and then they were gifted.
“Young players have to learn and they will today the hard way, it’s utter madness from these defenders. Madness.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
