On This Day (20th March 2016): Honours Even In Tyne-Wear Derby
Sam Allardyce was unhappy with his team’s inability to hold on to the crucial lead!
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Fabio Borini of Sunderland battles with Jack Colback of Newcastle United during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James' Park on March 20, 2016 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images In the context of how both teams were faring at this stage of the season, the 1–1 draw that was played out between Rafa Benítez’s Newcastle United and Sam Allardyce’s Sunderland was not beneficial for either team. With Sunderland lying in 18th position and Newcastle lying a place – and a point – below their rivals, a win was really necessary for them also.
This derby fixture was littered with mistakes, nerves, and anxiety, with the home side looking particularly edgy in the first half. Sunderland had been making steady progress under the stewardship of Allardyce and it was clear here as they played like the more unified force. In truth, this was a game we should have won.
It was all the away side who played the game at a greater pace and freedom with Jan Kirchhoff orchestrating most of the good play that Sunderland were providing. Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot was a busy man as we created much of the goalmouth action in the first half. Jermain Defoe went close as the former England striker fired over on the turn after just three minutes and then into the side-netting after meeting Jack Rodwell’s cross 16 minutes later.
In the meantime, Newcastle keeper Rob Elliot had to turn over Rodwell’s powerful header from a Wahbi Khazri free-kick and Lamine Koné headed over from the resulting corner. A goal was not far away and it was that man Defoe who put us one up after volleying in after Rob Elliot had saved a shot from Fabio Borini and Chancel Mbemba had failed to properly head clear. Yann M’Vila preserved Sunderland’s lead three minutes after the restart when he hacked Ayoze Pérez’s shot off the line after Mitrović had flicked on Townsend’s corner, and Mitrović glanced a header into Mannone’s arms from Moussa Sissoko’s cross five minutes later.