A banner day for Regis Le Bris and Sunderland will prove a new challenge for their Wear-Tyne derby rivals as Eddie Howe and Newcastle were dropped 1-0 by the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light.
The first Premier League match-up of the rivals in nearly a decade saw the lone goal coming via a Nick Woltemade own goal, but Le Bris won’t care as the Manager of the Year candidate outfoxed Howe and continues to make his case as a wizard.
MORE — Sunderland v Newcastle recap, video highlights
Sunderland not only stays above Newcastle on the table but they grow their lead over their neighbors, who lost a late lead in the UEFA Champions League at midweek in Germany.
How did Le Bris and Howe react to this game? The manners will be quite different, we imagine, especially after the Black Cats dodged a red card in the first half.
Regis Le Bris and Eddie Howe reaction
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris
Thoughts on the game? “Proud and happy because it was a derby. The win is well deserved. We were matured and composed under the pressure. The lads were incredible.”
“During the first half, tactically it was really good but just some details on our shape. We were good with the ball but it was a question of being more clinical in the final third. We scored early in the second half and the momentum changed.”
“Sometimes were a bit more too patient which was the opposite of what we good expect. Good composure. So happy for the lads.”
Worries with Brobbey on yellow and then fortunately avoiding red: “They are smart. They know that when they get the yellow card they must manage the intensity, the duels.
Second half was touch and go? “We knew our two first subs with Wilson and Trai that we had the ability to switch from our d-block in a 5-4-1. We knew how to do that and it was comfortable to be fair. We should’ve been better to score the second goal but it was good for our fans.”
Another PL win over Newcastle. Order restored? “We’d like [to continue dominance). It’s fragile but it’s good for the region, for our club, for our fans. We knew it was a special game but we have to reset quickly because we have a tough challenge with Brighton in one week.”
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe
How’d you view the game? “The endeavor and effort was there but the quality was missing today. It was decided on a freak goal. We chased the game.”
“Huge disappointment for result and performance. There wasn’t a lot of classical goal mouth action. We’re disappointed with our output.”
On the own goal: “Nick’s not meant to do it but it’s ended up in the net and it’s decided the game. Genuinely I thought we defended pretty well.”
What went wrong? “The quality was missing today in both halves. We were disappointed with our creative output and how many chances we delivered.”
Substitutions helped you gain a foothold? “We were possibly better for the changes. There was more intent, more bravery on the ball without creating the chances on another day we would’ve created.”
Stings more because of the occasion? “Of course, we know how much this means. We were determined to deliver our very best performance. We feel we left a little bit out on the pitch, We have a big cup match coming up.”
Sunderland player reaction — Dan Ballard and Granit Xhaka
Dan Ballard: “Words can’t describe it. Thinking back to the last game [FA Cup home loss to Newcastle) it was so painful. We felt we let the fans down.”
On rebounding from the FA Cup loss "It prepared us more for today. We came into the game with a lot more quality in the team, some real strong leaders. It wasn’t the prettiest game but we deserved the win.”
Granit Xhaka: “Derbies we’re here to win, it doesn’t matter how. These guys I know how painful it was last year. It motivated us much more than before. These guys were here in the Championship and now in the Premier League. This team deserves much more respect. We are working day-by-day very hard.”
