Alan Shearer delivers Sunderland-Newcastle United derby verdict and makes Celtic-Rangers comparison

The former Newcastle United legend was speaking alongside Gary Lineker and Micah Richards on the Match of the Day Top 10 podcast.

The trio discussed the best-ever Premier League survival stories and detailed Sunderland’s campaign under Sam Allardyce.

Allardyce masterminded the Black Cats’ top-flight survival during the 2016/17 campaign at the expense of their Tyneside rivals.

It all culminated in a stunning victory against Everton at the Stadium of Light to secure Sunderland’s Premier League status and relegate Newcastle United to the Championship.

Defender Lamine Kone struck twice from close range after Patrick van Aanholt scored with a 25-yard free-kick.

Speaking on the podcast, Shearer said: “I was going to put them [Sunderland, in the top 10] last because that season they stayed up and Newcastle United went down, unfortunately.

“If in doubt, call Big Sam, well, maybe not this season with West Brom

Lineker then asked: “He worked wonders, didn’t he, in the January transfer window?”

Shearer responded: “That’s been a big part of him. His bringing in, well, unknown players in and them doing a job for him.

“One defeat I think in the last 11 games he had that season and he was magnificent and doing that and galvanising the dressing room. Getting them together.

“And bringing in two or three players in the window who ultimately did a job for him.”

Talk then turned towards the rivalry between Sunderland and Newcastle, with Lineker adding: “That rivalry, Alan, Newcastle-Sunderland, is hateful, isn’t it?”

Shearer said: “Yeah, they don’t like each other. I suppose not many do!”

Lineker then asked a second question: “So them escaping would have exacerbated the situation?”

Shearer replied: “It was a tough one to take. I’m pretty sure Sam would have enjoyed it with him being at Newcastle also. So, yeah, it hurts.

“I mean the rivalry, I’m reluctant to say hatred because I’ve been to the Celtic-Rangers games.

“So I wouldn’t particularly go that far but it’s not a nice feeling. Great games to play in though.”

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