Article body analysed
Join The Club for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation plus sign you up to our newsletter.
By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over,
have read our
Privacy Policy
and agree to the
Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.
The Newcastle legend admitted going to the Stadium of Light is a tough assignment for any Premier League team
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Sunderland have enjoyed a remarkable start to their first season back in the Premier League, highlighted by their battling 2-2 draw with Arsenal last weekend. Brian Brobbey’s injury-time equaliser maintained Sunderland’s unbeaten record at the Stadium of Light and halted the imperious league leaders, who had not conceded in their previous eight matches. It also meant the Black Cats are fourth in the Premier League table, seven points ahead of fierce rivals Newcastle.
Sunderland host Newcastle in the highly-anticipated Tyne–Wear derby on December 14, which marks the first time the two sides have met in the Premier League since 2016. Former Newcastle striker and Premier League great Alan Shearer, while praising Sunderland’s display against Arsenal, has insisted he is 'not worried' about the Magpies’ chances in the derby. “I wouldn't say I am worried about the derby against Sunderland in a few weeks, but I've been mightily surprised at how well Sunderland have done, ” he told Betfair. “I don't think even their most hardened supporters would tell you that they'd be where they are in the league and what they're doing so far this season. I think one thing that's come out of Sunderland is how tough it's going to be for any team going to the Stadium of Light. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. “I doubt Arsenal will have a tougher game this season than the one they had at the weekend. ” Turning his attention to Newcastle, Shearer suggested striker Nick Woltemade, who started well following his big-money move from Vf B Stuttgart, poses a 'problem'. “I guess a manager's always under pressure to get results, but I think the job that Eddie Howe has done at Newcastle and what he delivered in the Carabao Cup, the trophy, he's got a lot of points in the bank, ” Shearer said.
“What I would look at is Eddie's Newcastle team have always been full of energy, tough to play against, not giving the opposition any space. That, in the away performances, is missing, and even home form really. The thing that is missing for me is the high press and the energy. “I've said before that, as good as Nick Woltemade is with the ball at his feet, he is a problem for Newcastle because he's not the quickest, and he can't press, and he doesn't run in behind. “Eddie's teams have always done that. Look at what Alexander Isak did or look at what Callum Wilson did: they all pressed and ran in behind. But this guy can't do that, and that's a problem for Newcastle. ” Get Four Four Two's ULTIMATE football quiz book HERE! Callum is a football writer who has had work published by the likes of BBC Sport, the Independent, BT Sport and the Blizzard, amongst various others. A lifelong Wrexham fan, he is hoping Ryan Reynolds can lead his hometown club to the promised land. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
Four Four Two is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.
©
Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury,
Bath
BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.
Please login or signup to comment
Please wait. ..