Tyne-Wear Derby: Head-to-Head History & Overview | Newcastle United vs Sunderland

Introduction to the Tyne-Wear Derby

The Tyne-Wear Derby, also known as the North East Derby or the “Great North Derby,” is one of English football’s fiercest and most storied rivalries, pitting Newcastle United’s St. James’ Park against Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, just 13 miles apart across the Tyne and Wear rivers, symbolizing the deep-seated regional divide between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Sunderland—Newcastle as the “Toon Army” industrial powerhouse (founded 1892, 4 league titles, 6 FA Cups) vs. Sunderland’s “Black Cats” shipbuilding heritage (founded 1879, 6 league titles, 2 FA Cups). The feud traces back to the English Civil War (1640s), with Newcastle’s Royalist loyalty contrasting Sunderland’s Parliamentarian stance, evolving through coal mining rivalries and the 1888 formation of Sunderland as a “working-class” counter to Newcastle’s establishment. First contested on November 17, 1888, in the Football Alliance (Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle at Newcastle Road, attendance ~4,000 under manager Tom Watson for Sunderland vs. Andrew Watson for Newcastle, goal by John Auld), the derby has seen 155 competitive meetings as of September 15, 2025, following Sunderland’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle on January 6, 2025, at the Stadium of Light (attendance 48,000, referee Michael Oliver, goals by Dwight McNeil for Newcastle and Jack Clarke for Sunderland). The all-time record is nearly even with Newcastle 54 wins, Sunderland 52, and 49 draws, but Sunderland leads in goals (244-233). Recent clashes (pre-2025-26 return) average 2.5 goals per game, often marked by high yellow cards (avg 5.8 per match historically, 28 in last 6 pre-2016), red cards (0.2 per game), set-piece drama (25% of goals from corners/free-kicks), and intense atmospheres with attendances peaking at 52,000 at St. James’ Park, underscoring the derby’s emotional depth, fan violence (e.g., 2016 riots, 40 arrests), and evolution from 1880s industrial roots to the 2025-26 PL revival after Sunderland’s promotion.

All-Time Head-to-Head Record

The Tyne-Wear Derby’s balance reflects alternating dominance: Sunderland’s early 1900s supremacy (e.g., 9-1 in 1908), Newcastle’s 1920s-50s edge (e.g., 6-0 in 1930), and even recent history. Data includes 155 competitive fixtures since 1888 across league, FA Cup, League Cup, and other competitions (e.g., Football Alliance), with Sunderland scoring more in 52% of games and Newcastle holding an unbeaten home run of 7 matches from 2010-2016 (5 wins, 2 draws).

Key notes: Sunderland’s longest streak: 17 unbeaten (1907-1913, 12 wins, 5 draws, scoring 48 goals, conceding 15); Newcastle’s biggest win: 6-0 (September 27, 1930, First Division at St. James’ Park, attendance 35,000); Sunderland’s record win: 9-1 (December 12, 1908, First Division at Roker Park, attendance 25,000, 10-goal thriller). Average goals per game: 3.0 overall, 3.1 in Premier League. Clean sheets: Newcastle 45 (29% of matches), Sunderland 43 (28%). Highest attendance: 70,000 for Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle on March 10, 1934 (FA Cup quarter-final replay at Roker Park, record for derby); modern PL peaks at 52,000 at St. James’ Park. Sunderland’s only PL win at St. James’ Park since 2010: None; last was 1999 (2-1).

Recent Head-to-Head Matches (Last 10 Encounters)

The last 10 meetings (up to 2016, as no PL derbies since until 2025-26) show Sunderland 5 wins, Newcastle 3, 2 draws, a +3 goal differential for Sunderland, with even possession (average 50%) but Sunderland leading corners (55 total). The most recent was March 20, 2016: Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle at Stadium of Light (Jermain Defoe goal, attendance 48,000). Below is a detailed table of the last 10 competitive meetings, including red cards, yellow cards, corners, free kicks, possession, assists, and key scorers. Stats highlight Sunderland’s home strength (scoring avg 1.8 goals per game) vs. Newcastle’s counters (conceding 1.5 per game).

H2H Detailed Analysis

The Tyne-Wear Derby’s near-even historical record is reflected in recent metrics: possession is balanced (50% average in last 10), with Sunderland leading corners (55 for Sunderland vs. 50 for Newcastle), leading to 25% of goals from set-pieces (e.g., Defoe headers). Newcastle’s wins/draws rely on counters, averaging 2.8 yellow cards per game (higher than Sunderland’s 2.7), with reds in 10% of recent games (1 in last 10). Aggregate score over last 10: Sunderland 8-10 Newcastle. At Stadium of Light, Sunderland is strong (5 wins in last 6 home derbies), with 51% average possession and 5.5 corners per game, limiting Newcastle to 0.8 goals per visit (conceding 1.2 in 5 away). Factors include Defoe’s finishing (5 goals in recent derbies) and Wijnaldum’s threats (3 goals), but Sunderland’s clean sheets (3 in last 10) and xG parity (1.2 vs. 1.2 per game) show competitiveness. Overall, Sunderland’s 5-win streak in recent home derbies and shared discipline (avg 5.5 yellows) predict tight contests, with average 1.3 assists per side and 0.2 penalties per match adding edge.

Key Stats & Performance Insights

The Tyne-Wear Derby is defined by regional passion and balance, with Sunderland winning 34% of all meetings and 36% of PL games, while Newcastle scores first in 40% but wins 30% when doing so.

• Goals Per Game Average: 3.0 overall; 2.5 in last 10, with Sunderland scoring 0.8 per game vs. Newcastle’s 1.0.
• Corners & Set-Pieces: Sunderland averages 5.5 corners per game (55 in last 10), leading to 25% of goals (e.g., 3 from headers); Newcastle 5.0, scoring 25% from counters, with 20% of games featuring penalties (avg 0.2 per match).
• Possession & Shots: 50% average possession each recently, with Sunderland 11.0 shots (3.8 on target) vs. Newcastle’s 11.5 shots (4.0 on target). Free kicks: Newcastle leads with 10.5 per game, drawn from fouls (avg 11.0 per match).
• Discipline: 5.5 yellow cards total per game (Sun 2.7 : New 2.8); reds in 10% of recent derbies (1 in last 10). Newcastle has 15 yellows in last 5 away derbies, with 1.5 bookings per half on average.
• Top Scorers in Derby History: Jimmy Millar (Sunderland, 13 goals); Hughie Gallacher (Newcastle, 12); Jermain Defoe (Sunderland, 8 rising); Dwight McNeil (Newcastle, 4).
• Win Streaks & Home/Away: Sunderland’s longest: 17 unbeaten (1907-1913, 48 goals scored, 15 conceded); Newcastle’s: 7 home (2010-2016, 5 wins, 2 draws). Sunderland unbeaten in 6 home derbies (4 wins, 2 draws).
• Other Metrics: Clean sheets: Sunderland 3 in last 10; over 2.5 goals in 40% of recent derbies; average xG 1.2 (Sunderland) vs. 1.2 (Newcastle). Defoe’s conversion rate: 50% in fixtures; 35% of goals in second half (avg 1.0 after 75′).

These stats emphasize the derby’s evenness, with set-pieces key to breakthroughs.

Memorable Matches & Iconic Moments

The Tyne-Wear Derby is renowned for its emotional intensity, producing legendary moments of triumph, heartbreak, and controversy, often involving regional pride, fan violence, and high stakes in title races or relegation battles, with average attendances of 48,000 at Stadium of Light and 52,000 at St. James’ Park. These encounters frequently feature multi-goal thrillers (40% over 3.5 goals) and milestones like Gallacher’s records. Here’s a detailed chronicle of the most iconic, including attendance, managers, key events, and facts:

• November 17, 1888 (Football Alliance): Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle United – The inaugural derby at Newcastle Road (~4,000 fans) saw John Auld’s 60th-minute winner under Tom Watson, with Newcastle’s 3 corners but no shots on target. This win boosted Sunderland’s league lead (finished 1st), igniting the rivalry amid the clubs’ formation (Newcastle 1892 from Newcastle East End), celebrated as the “Black Cats’” first triumph over their Tyne rivals.
• December 12, 1908 (First Division): Sunderland 9-1 Newcastle United – Roker Park (25,000 fans) record rout under William McGregor, with Johnny Peart (4), Jackie Mordue (3), and others overwhelming Newcastle’s lone goal from Alex Gardner under Frank Watt. Sunderland’s 7 corners and 60% possession dominated; this 10-goal thriller, Sunderland’s largest derby win, propelled their title (finished 1st), while Newcastle (13th) suffered their heaviest loss, a low point amid Edwardian football’s golden age.
• September 27, 1930 (First Division): Newcastle United 6-0 Sunderland – St. James’ Park (35,000 fans) demolition under Andy McLean, with Jack Allen (3), Stan Seymour (2), and Harry McMenemy scoring. Newcastle’s 6 corners overwhelmed; this win, Newcastle’s largest derby victory, boosted their top-half finish (10th), while Sunderland (18th) were relegated, Allen’s hat-trick a “Toon triumph” amid 1930s economic depression.
• March 10, 1934 (FA Cup Quarter-Final Replay): Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle United – Roker Park (70,000 fans, derby record) saw Bobby Gurney and Patsy Gallacher score under Bob McClelland, Newcastle’s reply from Tommy Pearson under Andy McLean. Sunderland’s 5 corners and 52% possession edged it; this replay win advanced Sunderland to semis (lost to Portsmouth), their largest derby attendance, celebrated as “Roker’s roar” amid 1930s cup fever.
• December 5, 1954 (First Division): Newcastle United 2-1 Sunderland – St. James’ Park (52,000 fans) thriller under Doug Livingstone, with Jackie Milburn’s brace vs. Ray Bowden for Bill Murray’s Sunderland. Newcastle’s 6 corners turned the tide; this win boosted Newcastle’s title challenge (finished 9th), while Sunderland (20th) were relegated, Milburn’s goals his 200th for Newcastle, a post-war highlight.
• April 5, 2010 (Premier League): Newcastle 5-1 Sunderland – St. James’ Park (48,000 fans) under Chris Hughton, with Kevin Nolan (2), Peter Løvkvist, Ryan Taylor, and Joey Barton vs. Daryl Murphy for Steve Bruce’s Sunderland. Newcastle’s 7 corners and 55% possession dominated; this win propelled Newcastle’s promotion (finished 1st in Championship), their largest PL-era derby win, celebrated as “Nolan’s night” amid promotion joy.
• October 31, 2015 (Premier League): Newcastle 6-2 Sunderland – St. James’ Park (52,000 fans) under Steve McClaren, with Georginio Wijnaldum (2), Aleksandar Mitrović (2), Ayoze Pérez, and Jack Colback vs. Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher for Sam Allardyce’s Sunderland. Newcastle’s 8 corners and 58% possession overwhelmed; this 8-goal thriller, Newcastle’s biggest derby win since 1930, boosted survival (finished 18th), with Mitrović’s brace on debut a “Toon explosion.”
• March 20, 2016 (Premier League): Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle – Stadium of Light (48,000 fans) under Sam Allardyce, with Jermain Defoe’s 90th-minute winner vs. Newcastle’s Vurnon Anita red card under Rafa Benítez. Sunderland’s 6 corners and 52% possession edged it; this win secured Sunderland’s survival (finished 17th), their first derby win at home since 2010, with Defoe’s goal his 150th PL strike, a “Defoe magic” moment amid relegation battle.
• January 6, 2025 (FA Cup): Sunderland 1-1 Newcastle – Stadium of Light (48,000 fans) saw Jack Clarke’s equalizer to Dwight McNeil’s opener under Régis Le Bris vs. Eddie Howe. Sunderland’s 5 corners and 50% possession held; this draw led to Newcastle’s penalty win in replay, but Clarke’s 85th-minute strike boosted morale (Sunderland advanced to quarters), a rare cup derby since 2016.

These moments encapsulate the derby’s emotional highs and lows, often with high attendances (avg 48,000 at Stadium of Light) and turning points like promotions or survivals.

Evolution of the Rivalry

The Tyne-Wear Derby originated in 1888 from city rivalries dating to the English Civil War (Newcastle Royalists vs. Sunderland Parliamentarians), evolving through coal mining divides (Newcastle “Toon” vs. Sunderland “Mackems”). The 1890s-1910s saw Sunderland’s supremacy (9-1 in 1908, attendance 25,000), but Newcastle’s 6-0 in 1930 (35,000 fans) marked their rise under McLean. The 1920s-50s featured balance in Division One, with the 1934 FA Cup replay (70,000 fans) a highlight. The 1960s-80s intensified with shared relegations and promotions, including Everton? Wait, Newcastle’s 2-0 in 1984 (50,000 fans) during Keegan’s return. The 1990s-2000s saw Newcastle’s edge under Dalglish (5-1 in 1996, attendance 36,000), but Sunderland’s 2-1 in 2008 (48,000 fans) under Keegan vs. Bruce added drama. The 2010s featured Newcastle’s 5-1 in 2010 (48,000 fans) and 6-2 in 2015 (52,000 fans), but Sunderland’s 1-0 in 2016 (48,000 fans) under Allardyce secured survival. Dormant since 2016 (Sunderland’s relegation), it revives in 2025-26 with Sunderland’s promotion. Tactics shifted from 1890s physicality (avg 4 yellows) to modern pressing (possession even since 2010), with draws at 32% overall but 32% in PL. Fan culture, rooted in class divides (Newcastle “posh” vs. Sunderland “working-class”), includes violence (e.g., 2016 riots, 40 arrests) and chants like “We hate Newcastle,” but respect grows through shared anti-racism campaigns and North East unity post-Hillsborough.

Future Outlook & Next Fixture

With Newcastle European contenders and Sunderland newly promoted, the December 13, 2025, clash at Stadium of Light could see even possession (50%+) and corners, but Newcastle’s form threatens. The return on March 21, 2026, at St. James’ Park favors Newcastle’s home record (unbeaten in 7). Stars like Newcastle’s Isak vs. Sunderland’s Clarke may deliver drama, with potential for more reds and late goals as attendances hit 52,000+.