Newcastle United have rescued a point late on to claim a 1-1 draw against rivals Sunderland, in a result that ultimately favours neither side.
Billed as the most important Tyne-Wear Derby in 20 years, it was the Black Cats who notoriously started this fixture on the front foot, and were of constant trouble to a shaky-looking Newcastle defence.
Sunderland took the lead right before half time after Newcastle failed to clear a defensive scramble and Jermain Defoe poached home to send the majority of St James’ Park into stunned silence.
The visitors should have doubled their lead early in the second half when a shot from Patrick van Aanholt forced a superb reflex save from Rob Elliot.
This seemed to spark the Magpies into action who then controlled the play, forcing Sunderland to sit back and absorb the pressure.
A lack of efficiency in the final third combined with resolute defending from the Black Cats looked like being the difference, but with five minutes of normal time remaining, the hosts got a much deserved equaliser.
Wijnaldum found some space at the byline and looped a cross over which was headed in by Aleksandr Mitrovic.
Despite Newcastle pushing for a winner, they did not have any further chances and the match finished level, which ends Sunderland’s six-match winning run over their rivals.
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Formations
Newcastle lined up with an unconventional 4-1-3-2 system, with Chancel Mbemba coming in for Steven Taylor at the back, while in the only other change, Andros Townsend made a long-awaited return coming in for Vurnon Anita.
Sunderland last played a fortnight ago against Southampton, and only made one change from that match which they should have won with Defoe replacing Dame N’Doye.
Left-back is a problem area for Newcastle
Since the injury to Paul Dummett, central-midfielder Jack Colback has been forced to ply his trade at left-back and has looked out of his depth there to say the least. Against Sunderland was no different as Colback was bullied by Fabio Borini. After two fouls went unpunished early on, he was booked midway through the first half which put him on edge. Despite completing 86% of his passes, Colback’s defensive qualities leave a lot to be desired and it is little wonder Newcastle improved after he went off.
Kirchhoff pulls the strings in midfield
After a nightmare debut in January, Jan Kirchhoff has quickly become a very important part of the Black Cats’ bid to stay in the Premier League. He has had a crucial role in some of their past results, and Sunday was no different with even Newcastle fans admitting the German deserved the official man of the match honours instead of Wijnaldum. Without being spectacular in an attacking sense, the defensive midfielder was a constant bother to his Newcastle counterparts, particularly in the first half. Eight tackles (more than any other player), one interception, one clearance and a few fouls drawn highlight a thoroughly impressive display from the January signing.
De Jong makes reasonable impact off the bench
In what can only be described as a stuttering Newcastle career to date, Dutchman Siem De Jong has flattered to deceive. Against Sunderland, however, he made an impact which showed signs of what fans expected when he signed in July 2014. In his half-hour cameo, he made 12 passes with an 83% completion rate, but on top of that he also seemed to have a general lift in his work rate, getting back more often and attempting to impose his will on the game rather than looking pedestrian which has been one of his criticisms. De Jong’s arrival coincided with Newcastle forcing their way back into the game and now Rafa Benitez needs to decide if the attacking midfielder should start against Norwich.
Allardyce’s negative tactics cost his team the win
After dominating the first half and the early stages of the second, Sunderland looked destined to win their seventh consecutive derby. Although for some reason, around the 60th minute, their mentality suddenly switched to ‘let’s sit back and hold on to what we have’. It is a dangerous tactic and, given the circumstances, it was mystifying. It was the turning point of the match as Newcastle sensed Sunderland’s fear and eventually they were going to break the resistance. They would have been much better off going for a second goal and trying to kill the game off like they have done in previous derby successes.
Newcastle United Conclusion
This was a match which Newcastle badly needed to win, and this draw leaves them three points adrift of the safety line. Ultimately however, they will take the draw seeing as though it looked like they were headed for defeat, and they now need to use the momentum they gathered from this late goal and carry it into the next match. Nothing less than three points will be acceptable against Norwich, lose and they are as good as down. Benitez has plenty of work to do over the international break.
Sunderland Conclusion
The late goal is a bitter blow to Sunderland who would have escaped had they held on. Worryingly, it is the second match in a row they have shipped a late equaliser so Sam Allardyce has to get to the bottom of that issue. Of the three teams in this relegation battle, Sunderland still hold the upper hand because of their favourable run-in, and they will be fancying their chances against West Brom at home after the international break.
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