Sunderland AFC have recently been promoted to the Premier League after 8 long years. For football fans from the northeast, this is huge. The rivalry between Sunderland AFC and Newcastle United roots all the way back to the civil war and goes beyond the game itself. To these clubs and their fans, it is about pride, identity and history. From last minute winners to drama on and off the pitch.

Here are some iconic moments in Tyne-Wear Derby history. 

This is the goal that got Sunderland AFC promoted to the Premier League.

Niall Quinn's Iconic Header

25.08.1999

Newcastle was ready to play against their biggest rivals on home soil. Things weren’t going well for them before the game had even started, Shearer was benched, alongside Ferguson. Born and bred Mackem, Paul Robinson, had been put up front.  

Their mood changed as the game started, both teams had a few opening chances. Newcastle didn’t seem as confident as they were often giving the ball away. Meanwhile Sunderland kept on pushing forward. The game came to a turning point when Robinson got the ball past Sunderland’s defence and Dyer bagged a goal for the home team. 

Sunderland entered the second half aware that an equaliser would dishearten the mags. Quinn scored with a header from Summerbee’s free kick. Shearer got sent on and caused some drama by taking out his bitterness on Sunderland Midfielder Mccan. Just minutes after, Summerbee ran down the right wing, giving the ball to Phillips – after his second try, struck the ball over Wright’s head, bagging themselves a precious three points. 

Goal of the day! 💥 An absolute classic - Niall Quinn rises like a salmon to score a peach of a header against Newcastle! ⚽️

Last Minute Equalizers

01.02.2009

On 1 February 2009 the teams met for another derby day at St James’ Park. With over 50,00 home fans and around 3,000 away fans, both determined for a win.   

Sunderland scored within the third minute with a header from Cisse, giving them motivation and the upper hand throughout the first half. 

After the second half, Newcastle had a few chances to score but Sunderland's defence stopped them. Newcastle won a corner in 63^rd minute but didn’t hit target. Bardsley made contact with Ameobi and ended with a foul even though it wasn’t aggressive, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Ameobi took the penalty and bagged a goal for the Mags and equalizing.  

Sunderland's First Win at St James' Park Since 2000

14.04.2013

Sunderland hadn’t won against their rivals away in 13 years. At this point, Paulo Di Canio had only been in charge of one game. On 14 April 2013, the Black Cats secured their first win since. This memorable game moved Sunderland three points clear of the relegation zone and to 15^th in the table.  

From the start, Sunderland had the upper hand. Things began to intensify when Gouffran received a yellow card. The away team pushed forward and secured their first goal of the game by Sessegnon, striking the shot past Krul into the bottom right corner. Newcastle responded convincingly, giving themselves every opportunity possible. However, Sunderland’s keeper stood tall to block their efforts. 

After the half-time whistle, Newcastle thought they had claimed a goal, but it ended up being offside. The home team were still trying to score themselves another. In the 74^th minute, Adam Johnson slipped the ball past substitute keeper Elliot. This resulted in Di Canio’s iconic knee slide and crushing Newcastle’s hopes of winning. Sunderland put an incredible finish to the game with Vaughan bagging a well-deserved goal for the away team.   

Alan Shearer's Last Game

17.04.2006

Alan Shearer was at Newcastle United for 10 seasons, making 405 appearances and scored 206 goals. His last ever professional football game was against Sunderland AFC on 17^th April 2006 at the Stadium of Light.   

Sunderland started off strong, Hoyte bagged them a goal in the 32^nd minute. However, Newcastle came back even stronger in the second half. Chopra equalized making the score 1-1. A minute later Shearer bagged the Mags a second goal from a penalty, scoring his last and 206^th goal for Newcastle United.  

Credit: 4kclips (Adobe Stock)

Newcastle went on to score another two goals in the 66^th and 87^th minute of the game. Shearer got took off in 71^st minute due to an injury. His last game was a farewell to the Tyne-Wear derby, winning against the Mackems 4-1. 

Sunderland's Victory in the Second Leg of Play-Offs

16.05.1990

It was yet another derby day for the people of the northeast, the second leg of the play-off of the League Second Division. Taking place at St James’ Park, the Mags were feeling comfortable because they finished six points above their rivals. However, Sunderland arrived feeling very confident.  

Sunderland managed to bag a win with a goal from Gates in the 13^th minute and Gabbiadini in the 85^th.  
Newcastle fans were not happy; hundreds ran onto the pitch trying to abandon the game. This game is considered one of the most famous games in the Tyne-Wear derby for multiple reasons.