RATINGS V MAGS

We always win 2-1, we always win 2-1. Sunderland have done the double over Newcastle United in their own backyard, proving once again that we are the primary sporting institution in the North East of England.

MELKER ELLBORG: 8/10

Contributed to that absolute howler 10 minutes in but made three saves afterwards. He definitely got over his initial shakiness.

LUTSHAREL GEERTRUIDA: 8/10

Had a difficult opening 30/35 minutes but grew into the game and came out of the tunnel for the second half a different player.

LUKE O’NIEN: 7/10

Caused the goal for them but I couldn’t care less. He must have done something right for the rest of the match because we didn’t concede again.

OMAR ALDERETE: 9/10

I didn’t see much wrong with his performance, I think he handled the occasion very well.

TRAI HUME: 9.5/10

Played his heart out, outside of his natural position too. Came close to scoring in the second half as well.

GRANIT XHAKA: 9.5/10

He seemed to be one of our better players in the first half and was fantastic in the second half.

NOAH SADIKI: 8.5/10

Didn’t have the ball a lot but forced a save at one point.

CHRIS RIGG: 10/10

He’s not a Geordie anymore, there’s no doubt about it. Tore them apart in the second half and played a big role defensively too.

HABIB DIARRA: 9/10

Could have scored himself in the buildup to the equaliser. Not the best first half but the team talk at the break clearly did him the world of good.

CHEMSDINE TALBI: 10/10

Scored at St James’ Park, everything else is irrelevant.

BRIAN BROBBEY: 10/10

Was a bright point in the opening 30 minutes and then scored a 90th minute winner against them. Give him whatever bonus he wants.

SUBS: 

ENZO LE FEE: 10/10

Played his part in the winner with his limited minutes.

REINILDO: N/A

I wasn’t watching much of the game after we scored so can’t really comment on his performance...

ELIEZER MAYENDA: N/A

Did well to burst forward a couple of times late on to relieve pressure but the away end was total bedlam after we scored the second so not sure what he did other than that.