Anthony Gordon did not hold back in his assessment of Sunderland after Newcastle United suffered yet another painful derby defeat — bluntly claiming their fierce rivals are “not very good” despite completing a league double over the Magpies.
Derby Disaster Deepens Newcastle Misery
In a dramatic clash at St James’ Park, Newcastle looked in control early on, with Gordon opening the scoring. But the game quickly turned on its head as Sunderland mounted a comeback, with goals from Chemsdine Talbi and Brian Brobbey sealing a 2-1 victory.
That result confirmed a stunning league double for Sunderland, who had already beaten Newcastle 1-0 earlier in the season — and extended the Magpies’ miserable run to 11 league games without a win in this historic rivalry.
Gordon’s Explosive Verdict
Despite the result, Gordon insisted there is a clear quality gap between the two sides — one Newcastle are failing to show where it matters most.
“The frustrating thing is, in my opinion, they’re not a very good team compared to us. We shouldn’t lose to them.”
It’s a statement that will only fuel tensions in one of English football’s fiercest rivalries, especially given the current reality: Sunderland now sit above Newcastle in the table.
Second-Half Collapse a Recurring Problem
Gordon pointed to a familiar issue that has plagued Eddie Howe’s side all season — their inability to maintain performance levels after the break.
Newcastle dominated the first half but once again fell apart in the second, something the winger admitted is becoming a worrying trend.
“We were good for 45 minutes… but again we haven’t been good enough starting second halves. It’s an ongoing problem.”
This mental and tactical drop-off has proven costly, particularly in high-stakes matches.
Sunderland’s Grit vs Newcastle’s Fragility
While Newcastle may boast stronger attacking numbers and superior underlying stats, Sunderland are proving far more effective where it counts.
Under Régis Le Bris, the Black Cats have shown resilience and composure — none more evident than their ability to fight back. Their latest win means they have gained 19 points from losing positions this season, compared to Newcastle’s dismal return of just three.
Even more damning, Newcastle have thrown away 22 points from winning positions — a statistic that highlights a clear lack of control and game management.
Stats Tell a Different Story
On paper, Newcastle appear the stronger side:
- More goals scored (44 vs 32)
- Higher expected goals (46.7 vs 30.3)
- More shots (409 vs 306)
- Greater possession (52.9% vs 43.6%)
Yet Sunderland edge them in the table — a reflection of efficiency, discipline, and mental strength rather than raw attacking output.
Pressure Mounting After European Collapse
The derby defeat comes hot on the heels of a humiliating 8-3 aggregate loss to Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, compounding what is quickly becoming a turbulent period for Newcastle.
From European embarrassment to domestic frustration, questions are now being asked about the team’s mentality and ability to deliver in big moments.
Reality vs Perception
Gordon’s comments reflect a dressing room that still believes in its superiority — but results are telling a very different story.
Right now, Sunderland have the bragging rights, the points, and the momentum.
And unless Newcastle fix their second-half collapses and mental fragility, Gordon’s bold claim may only serve as a reminder of a gap that exists — not in quality, but in execution.
