As a Sunderland fan, I want to try and be balanced in my opinions.
Some of the Newcastle United supporter podcasts gave Sunderland credit, fair play to them.
However, certain others were biased as hell.
It is only when you take the rose-tinted glasses off, you can see the true picture .
Here is why I believe Newcastle United struggled on Sunday in the derby.
Fatigue. A key issue. You chased the Champions League when you had little chance of winning it. The Premier League should always be your bread and butter. Everything else a bonus. The Champions League brings with it so much intensity and so many fixtures. Without Europe, I predict a better season for you in 2026/27.
Bruno Guimaraes. In my opinion he’s your key player and when I saw he wasn’t playing I was delighted. Yes we had several key players out but he’s the heartbeat of your team. He’s our Xhaka.
Eddie Howe. He has been superb for Newcastle United and will one day manage England . But I believe the failure to get the best of Woltemade and/or Wissa must rest on his shoulders, as is the failure to see some of his loyal players are past their best. Trippier, Joelinton and Burn. And some have just never been good enough: Murphy, Willock. Ramsdale. If you want to reach the top you have to be ruthless .
You underestimated us and overestimated yourself. All I heard before the game was Port Vale and Barcelona, you failed to mention some of the excellent results Sunderland have had this season. Several of our key players were missing but I’d argue from our starting 11, that Alderete, Xhaka, Sadiki and Brobbey would play a large number of games for you. Our recruitment has been spot on, yours recently hasn’t.
An important summer ahead for Newcastle United.