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Top Five Sunderland vs Newcastle Games at The Stadium of Light

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Barry Dixon | Last updated Dec 14, 2025 7:40 AM ET

The Wear-Tyne derby is back and is one of the most eagerly anticipated games on the football calendar. Sunderland vs Newcastle is steeped in history, both good and bad, and the atmosphere at these games between two bitter rivals is hard to beat.

In the build-up to this game at the Stadium of Light, we take a look back at the top five Sunderland games vs Newcastle on Wearside.

Top Five Sunderland Games vs Newcastle at The Stadium of Light

2015: Sunderland 3-0 Newcastle

Sam Allardyce’s first home game in charge produced a resounding win against their bitter rivals. The win took the Black Cats off the bottom of the table and above the Magpies. It was also Sunderland’s sixth straight win over United. A first-half penalty, which also saw Fabricio Coloccini sent off for the visitors, swung the game in Sunderland’s favour. Defender Billy Jones scored from close range to double their lead, and striker Steven Fletcher volleyed home to seal the win.

2015: Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle

A first-half stunner from striker Jermain Defoe gave Sunderland another victory over their rivals. A long ball headed on by Steven Fletcher fell perfectly for Defoe, who sent a thunderous volley into the net from outside the area. It was new manager’s Dick Advocaat’s first home game in charge, and it not only eased their relegation fears but also condemned Newcastle to a fourth straight loss.

2013: Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle

A goal in the first five minutes from Steven Fletcher set Sunderland on their way to another victory over Newcastle. The striker headed in a cross from close range to give the hosts the lead, which lasted until the 57th minute. With the game heading towards a draw, super sub Fabio Borini etched his him into Sunderland folklore. The Italian produced a wonder strike from outside the area on 86 minutes to seal the three points.

2008: Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle

Djibril Cisse and Kieran Richardson scored the goals that gave Sunderland their first win over United in eight years, and their first home win against them in 28 years. Steed Malbranque ran through the Newcastle defence, and his cross/shot fell to Cisse, who guided the ball into the net. However, Newcastle hit back to make the scores level at halftime. With 15 minutes remaining, the hosts won a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Richardson took it and blasted an unstoppable shot past keeper Shay Given.