Three key stats that will give Sunderland hope in Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United
We've taken a look at three key reasons why Sunderland fans should be optimistic about their chances in the derby clash with Newcastle.
Anticipation is building as Sunderland prepare for the first Tyne-Wear derby in the Premier League since 2016 this Sunday.
The Black Cats head into the match with less-than-ideal preparation, losing 3-0 to Manchester City at the weekend. However, that defeat only comes after holding Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield and a 3-2 win at home against Bournemouth.
Sunderland are eighth in the table, one point above Newcastle United heading into this titanic clash. And while Newcastle have more star quality on paper, there are several reasons why the Mackems should be very confident heading into Sunday.
1. Home fortress
Sunderland’s superb adjustment to life in the Premier League has very much been powered by their home form. The Stadium of Light has become something of a fortress, with the Black Cats still unbeaten there after seven games - joining Arsenal as the only other unbeaten home team remaining in the Premier League.
Along the way, Regis Le Bris’ men have scored 14 goals at an average of two per game, while conceding half that, meaning only Arsenal and Man City (both +16) can better their +7 home goal difference.
Just over 65% (15) of Sunderland’s 23 points in the Premier League this season have come at home, where they actually haven’t lost now since since QPR beat them 1-0 in May, when their Championship play-off spot was already long assured. To add even more encouragement, Newcastle have won just one of their seven away games so far this season, picking up just six points on the road with only seven goals scored.
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2. Defensive record
As mentioned, Sunderland have conceded just seven goals at home so far this season, but their defensive record has been something to be proud of wherever they’ve played.
Taking the thrashing to Man City out of the equation, the Black Cats have conceded just 14 goals in their other 14 games so far this season, keeping four clean sheets along the way. Their actual 17 goals conceded total is the fifth-best in the English top-flight.
That rear-guard effort has been spearheaded by Nordi Mukiele, who figures in the Premier League’s top 10 defenders for tackles (43), interceptions (19) and aerial duels won (44). But around him, Granit Xhaka has offered brilliant stability on both sides of the ball, while Dan Ballard and Omar Alderete have partnered the Frenchman brilliantly when called upon.
Newcastle have scored 21 Premier League goals so far this season, but eight of those have come in their last three games, including a 4-1 thrashing of Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Eddie Howe’s men are picking up form, but can they sustain it against one of the Premier League’s meanest defences, which also features Robin Roefs, who is second among goalkeepers for saves (52)?
3. Recent dominance
Newcastle thrashed Sunderland 3-0 in the last meeting between these sides back in January last year. However, that FA Cup tie is a distant memory, with so much changing for Sunderland since then. A dramatic promotion and the summer arrivals of Xhaka, Mukiele et al have all transpired since then, and the Black Cats have more than proven a match for the top-flight’s best this season.
Looking solely in the Premier League, it’s actually Sunderland who hold Tyne-Wear dominance, unbeaten in their last nine such meetings with Newcastle, winning six of them.
Sunderland’s last league loss against their arch-rivals came all the way back in August 2011, when Ryan Taylor scored the only goal of the game at the Stadium of Light, to beat a Steve Bruce-managed Sunderland side featuring the likes of Asamoah Gyan, Lee Cattermole, Wes Brown and Jack Colback.
Newcastle haven’t scored more than once in a single match during that nine-game run, while they’ve only managed four goals total. And while both clubs have undergone dramatic change since the last league meeting, Sunderland supporters won’t forget that golden period of derby dominance - and will use it to increase the atmosphere even further at the Stadium of Light.