Newcastle United vs Sunderland

Newcastle United Football Club
Founded- 1892
Ground- St. James Park
Capacity- 52,405
Head Coach- John Carver
League- Premier League

Sunderland Association Football Club
Founded- 1879
Ground- Stadium Of Light
Capacity- 49,000
Head Coach- Dick Advocaat
League- Premier League

The Tyne-Wear derby also known as the North-East derby is a match-up between Newcastle United and Sunderland. This North East England derby is an inter-city derby as both cities are ten miles apart.  This derby match in the English Premier League may not be up their like Liverpool vs Everton and Manchester United vs Manchester City but Newcastle and Sunderland have a great rivalry between each other, this is something the fans look forward to as it can really feel like a cup final when the game starts as both sets of fans create a fantastic atmosphere for the game. The game may be for three points in the league or even a place in the next round of a cup competition but the fans know that the winner will earn them local bragging rights in the North East. 

The most recent North East derby took place on the 21^st of December 2014 and it was held at St. James Park home of Newcastle united. The game will want to be forgotten by Newcastle fans as Sunderland won 1-0 and took home all three points. The match itself started like any other derby game as the desire from the players showed from the first minute as this was a huge match for both clubs during the Christmas period.  Newcastle had the most chances during the game as Ayoze Perez came close to scoring twice but Sunderland goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon was saving every shot Newcastle fired at him. Sunderland had a couple of chances on goal themselves through Steven Fletcher as one of his shots hit the post early on in the second half. When the match looked certain for a draw, Sunderland winger Adam Johnson popped up in the 90^th minute to smash the ball past Newcastle goalkeeper Jak Alnwick. Sunderland’s last minute counter attack goal proved to be the match winner.  This was Sunderland’s fourth successive win against Newcastle in Tyne-Wear derby and means Sunderland are unbeaten in the last 6 league games against Newcastle United. 

The next game between Newcastle and Sunderland will take place on the 5^th April 2015. With both clubs still plenty to play for in this match, it will be crucial for taking all three points. Sunderland has recently sacked their manager Gus Poyet and has quickly hired Dick Advocaat on a short term deal. Sunderland are in a relegation battle and hope the appointment of a new manager can shake things up and help Sunderland survive in the Premier League. Newcastle are currently 11^th in the league but look to finish the season in the top ten and a win at the Stadium of Light could defiantly help them achieve this.