‌St James' Park fans tried to set the tone before the kick off with a banner at the Gallowgate End reading: "Welcome to the region's capital you've been gone for so long." ‌Dan Burn won a corner with eight minutes gone, with Kieran Trippier whipping the ball into the back post for Sven Botman. But Sunderland tried to plot their way back into the contest. The game restarted and Rigg forced Ramsdale into a good save before Sunderland won a corner on 57 minutes. As Newcastle tried to break forward, through Osula he was taken out brutally by Omar Alderete who was booked for his trouble.

Source: Express March 22, 2026 15:25 UTC