By SCM FOOTBALL REPORTER
The Stadium of Light lived up to its name for the home side yesterday, as a searing white-hot atmosphere fuelled Sunderland’s dramatic 1-0 victory over bitter rivals Newcastle United in a fiercely contested Tyne-Wear derby.
The famous home of the Black Cats was a cauldron of noise and emotion for the first top-flight derby in years, and it was the thunderous support from the stands that seemed to spook the Magpies into handing over all three points.
The decisive moment came just a minute into the second half, and it was a moment of sheer disaster for Newcastle midfielder Nick Woltemade.
Under pressure inside the six-yard box, the German completely misjudged Nordi Mukiele’s cross, heading the ball past his own bewildered keeper, Aaron Ramsdale.
From the first whistle, the Stadium of Light felt like a fortress.
The atmosphere was palpable, with a stunning tifo display before kick-off setting a menacing tone that appeared to rattle the visiting side.
”You could feel the history and the hate in every tackle,” said one pundit.
“The Stadium of Light was the 12th man, the 13th, and the 14th! Newcastle just looked completely unable to cope with the sheer intensity of the place.”
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe’s tactics appeared bafflingly negative in the face of the hostile Wearside crowd, an approach that ultimately cost them. They failed to muster any significant response after the own goal, barely testing the Sunderland keeper, Robin Roefs.
The result continues Sunderland’s remarkable dominance in the renewed league rivalry, leaving Newcastle winless in their last ten Premier League encounters against their neighbours.
For the Black Cats, the win lifts them level on points with Champions League hopefuls, proving that their promotion season is more than just a flash in the pan.
But for the 47,158 fans packed into the Stadium of Light, this victory was about something much deeper than league points.
It was about derby day bragging rights, and the simple, sweet fact that they had once again sent their rivals home in misery.
