Woltemade's Own Goal Ushers In Pantomime Season on Sunderland's Turf.
Throughout the opening hour, Nick Woltemade cut an extremely isolated in the Sunderland penalty area. A difficult outing got significantly worse early in the second period when he unintentionally guided a cross past his own goalkeeper from close range.
The striker's unfortunate own goal emerged as the inadvertent match-winner in a fixture full of physical intensity but low on moments of real quality.
As he made way, the Sunderland faithful granted the clearly crestfallen 23-year-old a sarcastic ovation. A fan favourite until that moment, Woltemade has now pulled off the remarkable achievement of earning a lasting, bitterly ironic place in mackem hearts.
A Region Consumed with Derby Drama
While it was the biggest show in town, the top-flight meeting between these sides in almost a decade wasn't the only theatrical production scheduled on the weekend. A short distance from the football ground, the afternoon showing of the Christmas panto was kicking off at the Empire Theatre.
The cursed Princess Aurora will have done exceptionally well to have slept through the electric, raw din that echoed across town from the nearby cauldron. The match began under a huge banner depicting a ferocious black cat with fangs slavering and talons ready.
A Nervous Start from the Visitors
Newcastle cowered accordingly and their extreme caution was all too apparent in an opening 45 minutes devoid of great effect. Marooned up front, the striker was given an early inkling this might not be his day when a teammate subjected him to a harsh and verbal rebuke for a wayward ball.
As with many intense local rivalries, the mutual contempt between the supporters purports to be unmatched in its ferocity. On occasion during a stop-start opening period, the pitch was reminiscent of a battlefield with players falling to the turf with gusto.
A Bittersweet Day for The Hosts
An auspicious occasion for Sunderland after an eight-season absence from the Premier League was overshadowed by upsetting news. Word of club legend Gary Rowell's death after a long illness had spread through the town.
Before kick-off, a warm and lengthy applause was given to the former striker with a rapturous reception from the packed stadium.
In terms of style and playing squad, today's iteration of Sunderland is vastly different to the team easily defeated in a cup tie last year. Arguably a blessing in disguise, that low point paved the way for a ambitious rebuilding process.
A Daunting Stadium and a Humbling Loss
In recent years, Newcastle have enjoyed their own rise to prominence. However, they have struggled on their travels in this campaign. As defeats go, this was as painful and chastening as they get.
The Magpies have not managed to beat Sunderland in nine straight league games. This defeat was their fourth consecutive at the Stadium of Light, a fortress where the atmosphere could scarcely be more jubilant.
