AliousDeep-rooted since their first Christmas Eve clash in 1898, the Tyne-Wear derby stands as one of English football’s most passionate rivalries.
The near-identical head-to-head record – Newcastle’s 54 wins barely edging Sunderland’s 53 – reflects just how evenly matched these North East giants have been over their 125-year history.
Despite Newcastle’s current Premier League status, their dominance hasn’t always been clear-cut.
Prior to their recent FA Cup victory, they hadn’t beaten Sunderland in league competition since 2011, with the Black Cats enjoying a remarkable six-game winning streak between 2013-2015.
When it comes to silverware, both clubs boast impressive cabinets.
Sunderland claims six league titles and two FA Cups, while Newcastle holds four league titles but leads in FA Cups with six.
Interestingly, Sunderland’s last major trophy (1973 FA Cup) came more recently than Newcastle’s last silverware, which dates back 69 years.
The rivalry extends beyond trophies to infrastructure, with their stadiums nearly matching in size – St James’ Park holding 52,258 to the Stadium of Light’s 48,707.
Their top-flight heritage is similarly comparable, with Newcastle’s 93 seasons just ahead of Sunderland’s 87.
Sunderland fan pundit Jack Austwicke boldly claims his club edges the “bigger club” debate, while acknowledging potential bias.
He points to their superior league title count and more recent trophy success, though he concedes Newcastle’s current trajectory under wealthy ownership could shift the balance in years to come.
With Sunderland currently fighting for Premier League return while Newcastle enjoys European nights, this historic rivalry awaits its next chapter.
Until then, the debate rages on, fueled by passion, pride, and over a century of fierce competition between these Northern powerhouses.
Alious
