Tyne-Wear Derby: A Rivalry Renewed
Eddie Howe found himself in a familiar yet challenging position as he initiated the 2023 Great North Run amidst enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
However, he was met with discontent from Sunderland supporters who swiftly passed him by.
"It was the biggest stick I’ve ever had," Howe remarked this week, reflecting on the mixed reception he received.
This encounter is more than just a local rivalry. Over the past 50 years, both North East clubs have secured only one major domestic trophy between them. The upcoming match on Sunday at 14:00 GMT will be their first Premier League meeting in nearly a decade.
Few fixtures can halt the region like the Tyne-Wear derby, a sentiment echoed by former Sunderland manager Peter Reid.
"They’re football crackers," Reid stated. "Let’s just say there is a little bit more needle up there."
Ryan Taylor, the last player to score a winning goal for Newcastle against Sunderland in a top-flight match in 2011, shares a similar view, comparing the intensity of this rivalry to that of the Old Firm in Scotland.
"There is a lot more passion in this derby compared to the Manchester derby and even the Merseyside derby," the retired defender expressed. "There’s just raw emotion involved."
This fervor is evident in the preparations of the This is Wearside supporters group, which has organized its largest flag display for the derby since Sunderland's promotion via the play-offs in May. Volunteers have dedicated up to 12 hours a day in the lead-up to the event.
"It’s going to be like two worlds colliding," said Daniel Stokell, co-founder of the supporters group.
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Nikos Dabizas, a former Newcastle center-back, is well aware of the intensity that characterizes this rivalry. A large framed photograph in his home serves as a daily reminder of his winning goal at the Stadium of Light in 2002.
"It’s the intensity of the fans that makes this game special," Dabizas reflected. "This tradition is passed down from generation to generation."
The rivalry between these two one-club cities, located less than 15 miles apart, runs deep. Stokell believes it transcends football.
"You can trace it back to the English Civil War, with Newcastle supporting the monarchy and Sunderland backing the government," he noted. "It’s political and economic. Newcastle receives the funding and is often seen as the prominent city, while Sunderland remains in its shadow."
However, the rivalry is not one-sided. Taylor recalls how his father was celebrated by Newcastle fans after his son scored a decisive free-kick in the 2011 victory over Sunderland.
"It took some time to realize the significance of that goal," Taylor admitted. "It made my life easier on the pitch, allowing me some leeway with mistakes because of that moment. I still hear fans at St James' Park telling their kids, 'See this lad? He scored the winner against the Mackems.'"
A derby victory can elevate a player’s status significantly. Chris Hughton, shortly after leading Newcastle back to the Premier League, recognized the importance of the fixture during his first derby as manager in 2010.
Despite only three points being at stake, Hughton understood the "added responsibility" of the match, as football is deeply ingrained in the local culture.
"This derby is one you truly understand the significance of," he said. "These are two major clubs with distinct identities, and losing, especially at home, is something you want to avoid at all costs."
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Hughton need not have worried, as Newcastle triumphed over Sunderland 5-1 at St James' Park in 2010. However, since then, Newcastle has secured only one derby win in the Premier League, while Sunderland has claimed victory in six of the last seven encounters.
Former Black Cats manager Gus Poyet recognized the derby's significance early on, understanding that the club's performance could influence the mood of the entire city.
"After family, the club is the most important thing to the people of Sunderland," he stated. "The derby result can change the atmosphere in the city."
After relegation in 2017, Sunderland spent eight years outside the top flight, creating a stark contrast when they last met in the FA Cup third round nearly two years ago.
At that time, Sunderland's starting lineup was vastly outmatched by Newcastle’s investment in players like Joelinton, who alone cost £40 million.
Alex Pritchard, who joined on a free transfer, was the most experienced player in Sunderland’s lineup at just 30 years old.
"The fans didn’t really believe we could win that game," Pritchard recalled. "But now, things are different."
With new signings like Granit Xhaka and Enzo le Fee, along with a different manager in Regis le Bris, Sunderland has transformed significantly.
Le Bris has guided Sunderland to promotion and his team has proven competitive against the top teams in the league, with Manchester City being the only current top-six team to defeat them this season. Sunderland is also unbeaten at home.
As a result, Sunderland heads into Sunday’s match a point ahead of Newcastle in the standings, setting the stage for an exhilarating encounter at the Stadium of Light.