'Special' Sunderland give hope to other clubs and supporters after Wear-Tyne derby win against Newcastle

Sunderland’s rise from languishing in the League One to claiming a Wear-Tyne derby win against Newcastle United that solidifies their place in the Premier League top eight gives hope to clubs and supporters around the country.

That was the verdict of former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher as he reflected on the Black Cats win against the Magpies that means Sunderland are unbeaten in their last ten league fixtures against their arch rivals. The return of the Wear-Tyne derby was always going to play a major role in an exciting return to the top flight for the Wearside faithful - and Sunday’s win has just added another chapter to what is becoming an increasingly memorable campaign for everyone connected with the club.

An own goal from Newcastle record signing Nick Woltemade gave Sunderland all three points and ensured they will head into the second half of December sitting in the top eight of the Premier League table. Carragher was left in awe of the passion shown by the home faithful in Sunday’s win and believes it is moments like their victory and their rise from League One to Premier League that ‘make football special’.

He told Sky Sports: “What Sunderland are right now for a lot of clubs up and down this country, they give hope. Famously, they brought out the documentary, ‘Sunderland ‘til I die’, one of the best things you could see on television. You think of the passion, the supporters there, and that’s the same for a lot of supporters up and down this country, but when we look at Newcastle, the Saudi takeover, being in the Champions League, winning their first trophy and Sunderland dipped towards the end of the season in terms of getting into the Premier League and feeling they couldn’t compere with Newcastle, but this is what makes football special.”

Passion

The former England international also expressed his delight over the return of the Wear-Tyne derby in the Premier League as he assessed the post-match scenes that saw Le Bris and the Black Cats squad have their photo taken in front of the jubilant Roker End.

He said: “Look at those scenes. I said before the game I was absolutely delighted to have this fixture back. We didn’t get it every season unfortunately but because Sunderland are the story of the season so far, it looks like we will get it next season and possibly for years to come. It is one of the great fixtures in the Premier League era and it’s fantastic. Look at those scenes. Before the game, I did feel there would be a real fear for this team in Newcastle going there. The run that Sunderland are on, absolutely fantastic.”

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