Regis Le Bris saw his Sunderland side go 1-0 down against Newcastle United.
Anthony Gordon taking advantage of a blunder by the visitors, as they tried to play it out from the back. Nick Woltemade intercepting and Gordon doing the rest.
A poor quality game but Newcastle United could and should have been further ahead at half-time.
An even more scrappy second half and Sunderland took advantage, two poorly defended goals giving the Mackems the win.
Regis Le Bris asked how Sunderland beat Newcastle United: “Through our identity. We didn’t start well with an early mistake. We stayed composed, well-aligned with what we wanted to do. It’s a tough place, they are intense with their crowd, but the team reacted well. We were emotional at half-time because it matters, this game is important and we didn’t want to lose. We stayed together, pushed together and the second half was good for that. We suffered at times but we enjoyed some opportunities and played good football.”
The Sunderland boss asked what his players were trying to do when gifting the opening goal.
Regis Le Bris: “I don’t know…you can make mistakes. It’s a hard phase when we start from a dead ball. I know the intention, but the execution wasn’t good.”
Sunderland completing a derby double over Newcastle United.
Regis Le Bris asked about handling the emotion of the occasion: “It was about the whole event. We want to win and to be proud of our club. I really appreciated the second half, even the way the team reacted after the goal we conceded, stayed calm, stayed composed and seize your opportunity when it comes. We started this game with six or seven players injured. It means the others stepped up and it shows the quality of the group. Today they did really well, I am proud and really pleased.”
Brian Brobbey forced the winner home from close range.
Regis Le Bris asked about his match winner: “He is getting better day after day. He is impressive. We needed more time as a team to find the right connections. The way we can use his strength especially. Now he is becoming a big threat and it’s big for the club.”
Newcastle 1 Sunderland 2 – Sunday 22 March 2026 12pm
Match Stats
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Gordon 10
Sunderland:
Talbi 57, Brobbey 90
Possession was Newcastle 60% Sunderland 40%
Total shots were Newcastle 16 Sunderland 17
Shots on target were Newcastle 4 Sunderland 7
Corners were Newcastle 9 Sunderland 5
Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 22 Sunderland 29
Newcastle team v Sunderland:
Ramsdale, Trippier (Livramento 65), Botman (Thiaw 54), Burn, Hall, Ramsey, Joelinton, Woltemade (Willock 65), Elanga (Jacob Murphy 65), Gordon (Wissa 89), Barnes (Osula 76)
Unused subs:
Pope, Alex Murphy, Neave