Why Is The 2025 Tyne-Wear Derby So Special?
Why this derby matters
Sunderland AFC haven’t been in the Premier League since 2017, until May 2025. This means that the Tyne-Wear Derby is back. Being one of the fiercest rivalries in English football, the two teams will be meeting for the Premier League for the first time in almost a decade. This will be the younger generation's first experience of the most iconic derby day. This game is not just about the three points, it is about passion, identity and history.
What led to Sunderland's 2017 Relegation?
Sunderland AFC were in the Premier League for 10 years before they were relegated in 2017 after Bournemouth’s Josh King scored a late goal at the Stadium of Light and won 1-0. Hull City also drew at Southampton which meant SAFC were down in the Championship.
Following the relegation and David Moyes leaving, Simon Grayson took over the club as manager in June 2017. However, he was sacked after only 18 games when the team was 22nd in the Championship. He announced his departure 17 minutes after the Black Cats drew 3-3 with the Bolton Wanderers, who were at the bottom of the table.
Sunderland was then relegated to League One in 2018 due to a 2-1 defeat to Burton Albion, once again at home. Spending four seasons in this league, the Mackems finally had a victory in 2022 when they won the League One Play offs, taking them back to the Championship. Managed by Alex Neil at this point, Sunderland bagged a 2-0 win against Wycombe with goals from Elliot Embleton and Ross Stewart.
When was the last time the teams met?
06.01.2024 - Stadium of Light - Emirates FA Cup, 3rd Round - 0-3
For the first time since 2016 the two teams met. However, it wasn’t because they were in the same league. Sunderland AFC vs Newcastle United was one of the fixtures in the Emirates FA Cup.
At this point, Sunderland were in the Championship and Newcastle were in the Premier and the UEFA Champion’s League.
6000 Newcastle fans made their way to the Stadium of Light confident that they were walking away with a victory.
The start of the goals was when Dan Ballard accidentally put the ball in his own team's net just before half time. Alexander Isak scored early in the first half in the 46th minute and then again in the 90th minute. Beating the black cats for the first time in 13 years.
How did Sunderland Secure Promotion in 2025?
Sunderland AFC managed to get themselves in the Championship play-off semi-finals in 2025. First, playing Coventry on 9th May and securing themselves a 2-1 win with goals from Wilson Isidor (68’) and Eliezer Mayenda (88).
Four days later, the Black Cats had another game against them and drew on 14th May with a dramatic last minute header from Dan Ballard, taking his team to Wembley. This gave them their third goal in the semi-finals, leaving Coventry with only two. This meant they were through to the final.
24th May 2025 was a special day for the Mackems. Sunderland ended their eight-year streak of not being in the Premier League. Sunderland AFC faced Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium.
Sheffield United scored the first goal of the game in the 25th minute by Gustavo Hamer. In the second half, SAFC bagged their first goal from Mayenda in the 76th minute, giving the Sunderland fans hope. At this point the tension was through the roof, the game went into extra time. Born and bred Mackem, Tommy Watson scored the last and winning goal in 95th minute taking Sunderland to the Premier League where they belong.
What makes the Tyne-Wear Derby one of England's Fiercest Rivalries?
The Tyne-Wear Derby between Sunderland AFC goes way beyond football itself. It’s a major clash of history, identity and pride.
The rivalry roots all the way back to the English Civil War. Sunderland supported the Parliamentarians and Newcastle supported the Royalists. These ancient feuds contributed to the local rivalry that football inherited.
These fans express their pride, traditions and loyalty with chants, their different colours and matchday rituals. Chants such as “If you hate the Mags...” and “What do you think of Sunderland? ...”. Sunderland fans call themselves “The Mackems” and Newcastle fans call themselves “The Mags” to divide the two sets of fans.
This derby remains one of the most intense rivalries. Even now, especially since SAFC’s recent promotion, which brought the rivals back into the same league and younger generations can experience a different kind of passion for the first time. It will continue to bring communities together, shape their identity, and bring national attention every time the teams meet.
Credit: kovop58 (Adobe Stock)
What does it mean to the fans?
For supporters, this derby is about more than goals and points. It gives all the loyal fans a chance to show the clubs their loyalty, celebrate their city and be a part of something huge. Fans emotions are heightened on days like this because it isn't just an ordinary football match. A victory would bring euphoria to the winners, northeast bragging rights. Whereas a defeat can feel disappointing and embarrassing.
