Sunderland manager Michael Beale says that the Black Cats need to be honest about the gap between themselves and bitter rivals Newcastle United following their 3-0 defeat in the FA Cup third round this afternoon.
The two North East giants were drawn together in the FA Cup for the first time since 1956 in what was arguably the most mouth-watering tie of the round. It was also the first Tyne-Wear derby since 2016, when Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League. Whereas the Magpies bounced back at the first time of asking, Sunderland suffered relegation themselves the following year and the two teams had not crossed paths since.
As always, the tie drew huge attention and the game started exactly as expected, with the two teams competing fiercely in front of a raucous Stadium of Light crowd.
Newcastle took the lead in the 35th minute when Dan Ballard turned Joelinton’s cross into his own net, but the hosts went into the break just a goal down. However, the Premier League outfit doubled their lead just 31 seconds into the second half when Miguel Almiron pounced on a mistake from Pierre Ekwah before laying the ball on a plate for Alexander Isak.
An absolute howler from Pierre Ekwah 🤦♂️
Newcastle increase their lead at the Stadium Of Light ⚽️⚽️#EmiratesFACup | #SUNNEW pic.twitter.com/nIMvcH1l7A
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 6, 2024
Sunderland pressed to get back into the game and hit the crossbar through Alex Pritchard before Ballard brought down Anthony Gordon in the box with two minutes remaining, with Isak slotting home the resulting spot kick.
Beale was honest in his assessment of the game in the aftermath, although refused to individualise anyone for the killer second goal. Speaking to club media, the ex-Ranger boss said:
“Well clearly, it wasn’t the way anyone wanted the game to go, fans first, players and staff.
“I felt in the first half, defensively we were ok. We weren’t tidy enough or brave enough in possession. I think we didn’t win enough duels.
“We spoke about that at half time and our intention was to come out and be right on the front foot. Obviously, we concede a goal straight away and the less said about it the better.
“It’s a mistake from everybody, not just the players in and around it in terms of decision making. After that, we had two or three moments, we hit the bar, the keeper makes a good save and actually, tactically, what we were trying to do was much, much better.”
Beale was unhappy with his team’s performance though, and gave an honest assessment of the gap between the two teams:
“The two goals in the second half, we shoot ourselves in the foot. The third goal again, we lose the ball when we had no need to lose it. We make a rash challenge when we don’t need to, but I think it’s a real harsh lesson for us today.
“There’s clearly a gap between the two clubs in terms of finance and everything, but on the pitch today there was a gap in terms of levels as well.
“If we’re really honest about that and although that hurts, if we’re really honest about that and use that, then we’ll improve. We’ll certainly improve in the Championship campaign and in the last 20 games and that will get us closer to where we want to be.
“The honesty thing is really important.”
Sunderland are next in action next Saturday against Championship high-fliers Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
Writer’s View
Newcastle were heavy favourites heading into the game and ultimately their class shone through as they made Sunderland pay for their mistakes.
Michael Beale was downbeat in the aftermath and is clearly trying to spur his players on to achieve their goal of at least a play-off place this season. The Black Cats will not like playing second fiddle to their rivals and the manager is hoping that the gap between the pair will inspire his team to bigger things, starting next week at Ipswich.
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