Sunderland

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris, speaking to Sky Sports on how they got the 2-1 win over Newcastle: "Through our identity. We didn't start well with an early mistake. We stayed composed, well-aligned with what we wanted to do. It's a tough place, they are intense with their crowd but the team reacted well. We were emotional at half-time because it matters, this game is important and we didn't want to lose. We stayed together, pushed together and the second half was good for that. We suffered at times but we enjoyed some opportunities and played good football."

On the emotion: "It was about the whole event. We want to win and to be proud of our club. I really appreciated the second half, even the way the team reacted after the goal we conceded, stayed calm, stayed composed and seize your opportunity when it comes."

On Brian Brobbey: "He is getting better day after day. He is impressive. We needed more time as a team to find the right connections. The way we can use his strength especially. Now he is becoming a big threat and it's big for the club."

On what Sunderland were trying to achieve by playing out from the back for the Newcastle goal: "I don't know. You can make mistakes. It's a hard phase when we start from a dead ball. I know the intention, but the execution wasn't good."

On what this result does for the team going forward: "We started this game with six or seven players injured. It means the others stepped up and it shows the quality of the group. Today they did really well, I am proud and really pleased."

On the reported abuse from the crowd towards Lutsharel Geertruida: "I don't really know what happened, but it's not acceptable. The referee acted well because he reported the problem which is the first step. He [Geertruida] seems ok, but we will see."

Did you know?

• Regis Le Bris is just the second Sunderland manager to win each of his first two league games against Newcastle, after Gus Poyet during the 2013-14 season.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Newcastle's performance

What did you make of Sunderland's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Newcastle make two changes from the side that began the 7-2 loss at Barcelona in midweek as Sven Botman comes in for Malick Thiaw, while midfielder Sandro Tonali misses out after going off injured early in the second half at the Nou Camp.

Nick Woltemade, who scored an own goal to give Sunderland a 1-0 win earlier this season, comes in to replace Tonali.

Newcastle XI: Ramsdale, Hall, Burn, Botman, Trippier, Joelinton, Ramsey, Barnes, Gordon, Elanga, Woltemade.

Subs: Pope, Thiaw, A Murphy, Livramento, Willock, J Murphy, Neave, Osula, Wissa.

Just the one change for Sunderland from the side that began the 1-0 defeat by Brighton eight days ago as Luke O'Nien starts with Dan Ballard not in the matchday squad.

Sunderland XI: Ellborg, Hume, Alderete, O'Nien, Geertruida, Xhaka, Sadiki, Talbi, Diarra, Rigg, Brobbey.

Subs: Moore, Cirkin, Jenson Jones, Mandava, H Jones, Mukiele, Le Fee, Mayenda, Isidor.

There are three games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Newcastle v Sunderland (12:00)

• Aston Villa v West Ham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Tottenham v Nottingham Forest - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off 14:15 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

And follow Arsenal v Man City in the Carabao Cup final here (kick-off 16:30)

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Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Newcastle and Sunderland meet on Sunday (12:00 GMT) almost 10 years to the day since the last Premier League Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park.

A Champions League tie against Barcelona and their first home Tyne-Wear derby for a decade – it's a big week for Newcastle.

The Magpies' 8-3 aggregate defeat by Barcelona was a reality check. Newcastle did hold their own in the first leg and in the first half of the second but defensive failings let them down, something that has become a pattern in recent months.

In the current season, the Magpies were conceding an average of 1.26 goals a game to the end of December – in 2026 that figure has risen to 1.73.

They haven't had a home clean sheet in the Premier League since their opening match of the year and have conceded three goals in three of the five home league games since then.

Head coach Eddie Howe said "defensive mentality was key" in the 1-0 win at Chelsea last weekend, but if that was sublime defending, there was plenty of the ridiculous kind on show as his side shipped seven in midweek.

Only Tottenham and Burnley have conceded more Premier League goals than Newcastle since the start of the year. The Magpies have let in 43 goals in all competitions in 2026, more than any other top-flight team, although they have been fighting on four fronts.

Wednesday's European exit means just one of those fronts is still active and a win over Sunderland would not just banish memories of the 1-0 defeat by the Black Cats earlier in the season but also could prove vital in the race to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Head coach Eddie Howe says Sunday's match is a "huge game for our city and club". A year after helping Newcastle end their long trophy drought, Howe is now aiming to avoid making unwanted history by becoming the first Magpies' manager to lose his first two league matches against Sunderland.

Sunderland aim to regain momentum

"Til the end" became the Sunderland mantra, external in their amazing 2024-25 promotion season but the Black Cats are currently limping towards to the finish line in this Premier League campaign.

Since reaching 40 points, a mark traditionally associated with Premier League safety, Sunderland have been dumped out of the FA Cup by League One strugglers Port Vale, and lost at home to Brighton, both without scoring.

The Seagulls loss signified a third straight defeat at the Stadium of Light, where they had previously been unbeaten all season. Defeat in the Tyne-Wear derby would mean a third consecutive loss in all competitions for the first time this season.

Head coach Regis Le Bris said his side "lacked desire and fighting spirit" in the FA Cup exit but that surely won't be an issue against their local rivals.

Furthermore, they have a good record against Newcastle – they are unbeaten in their last 10 league games against the Magpies (W7, D3), winning seven of the last eight.

One win in six league games might not be the ideal derby preparation but a win at St James' Park would be the perfect fillip for the season run-in and, as an added bonus, it would also lift Sunderland above Newcastle in the Premier League table.

I was at Nou Camp on Wednesday and although the wheels came off spectacularly in the second half, the story of the tie is that for one-and-a-half legs, Newcastle competed really well against Barcelona.

Even so, that defeat leaves Magpies boss Eddie Howe in a similar situation to Liam Rosenior at Chelsea, where it is important that he is has a strong end to the Premier League season to silence all his doubters.

I still think we have seen enough from Newcastle over the course of this campaign for Howe's job to be safe.

The glaring thing for me against Barca came after the game, watching their unused substitutes doing their running drills.

Two of the subs were their big summer attacking signings, Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade. The fact they had a huge European tie and neither got on the pitch summed up their impact this season.

So, I have massive sympathy for Howe about that and how much losing top scorer Alexander Isak last summer has affected his team.

This is a massive game for Newcastle, because they have got to pick themselves up and go again, against their biggest rivals.

If they lose this too, you know people are going to hit Howe with that stick that he is is not the right man to take the club forward.

They lost at Stadium of Light before Christmas, when Woltemade scored an own goal, so they simply cannot let the Black Cats do the double over them.

Sunderland's form has dropped off in the past few weeks and it does look like they are fizzling out, but the question is whether Newcastle can find the energy to see them off. I think they will.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tyrese King
BBC Sport journalist

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Newcastle at St James' Park (kick-off 12:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Le Bris provided a team news update: "Jocelin [Ta Bi], Nilson, Bertrand [Traore] and Romaine [Mundle] will definitely be out. For the others, we will have a late assessment because they are working hard to get ready for this fixture, which is really important to us but it will be a pure medical decision because we will not take any medical risks".

• He also wouldn't rule out Dan Ballard playing: "Discomfort in the hamstring zone, so we will see."

• He acknowledges there are "expectations" surrounding the Tyne-Wear derby and that it is a "big opportunity".

• Further on the derby, he said: "We know in this region that the derby means a lot. We like it, and embrace the challenge. We played the first game at home with a young squad with no experience in the Premier League expect Bertrand and Granit [Xhaka]."

• He added: "We played the game with intensity, togetherness and productivity. It was tight but we won this game, and we want to do it again".

• On if the mood has dropped since they are safe from relegation: "No I don't think. I think the mood after Brighton is that there is no complacency in the dressing room. They want to win. We are not happy when we lose, this league is relentless."

• On rivals Newcastle: "The first game set the tone and the standard. It will be a different occasion, but our focus is on us. We're not overloading the game with emotions, we're just controlling the controllables."

• He said: "It's about emotion and control. If it's too much emotion in your mind and something goes wrong which is often the case in football because you can have the plan, but the unpredictability is so high, your brain can get overloaded. So for me, we want to be intense but in control."

• On if he enjoys the pressure in these games: "Yes, absolutely. It drives everything because you want to improve every single detail, to help the players but not overload them. It's a really interesting period, and I think we enjoy these types of moments."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Sunderland? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Listen to the news conference on BBC Sounds here

Sunderland content creator Dylan Parry believes Regis le Bris' side will have to play with "quality" in the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday because simply "wanting it" won't be enough at St James' Park.

He also hopes that the players who come in for those that are sidelined with injury step up to the occasion and "take it" to Newcastle.

Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport, he said: "To an extent we're going to have to try to frustrate, but if we cast our minds back to the reverse fixture then the quality wasn't there from either side.

"We wanted it more on the day, but I don't think wanting it will be enough at St James' Park. We will have to play quality.

"We are missing some players so the others are going to have to put on some top performances.

"I want to see them elevate their performances and take it to them. Yes, we're going to have to sit deep at times and absorb some pressure, but if we also don't try ourselves then that could go one of two ways, especially if we concede early as it could then get away from us.

"Dan Ballard is massively important. I've taken something from him being called up for the Northern Ireland squad and maybe, it wasn't as bad as it looked when he went off [against Brighton].

"If he's not playing then it is a concern and hopefully then Luke O'Nien is back, or Omar Alderete has shown that he can do the dark arts and get in among it.

"So it's bad, but not the end of the world if Ballard is missing."

BBC Radio Newcastle have broadcast a special programme looking at the history of the Tyne-Wear derby and previewing Sunday's meeting between Newcastle and Sunderland at St James' Park.

Total Sport's Simon Pryde takes us through how the derby began, the moments that have gone down in history - and what the derby means to the players, fans and to the North East as a region.

He is joined by reporters, historians and fans from both sides to tell the story behind a truly special fixture.

Contextualising the rivalry, BBC Radio Newcastle commentator Matthew Raisbeck said: "When I think of the north-east derby i just think about passion. The passion both sets of fans have for their club and how much we get to experience that when a game is being played. The 90 minutes is full of fever, passion and energy in the stands."

BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunderland commentator Nick Barnes said: "In one sense it's a fantastic occasion, in another it's a massive headache.

"A madness in the build-up to the game itself. I always have a fear and a trepidation because I worry Sunderland will lose and all the fallout that comes with that. On the day itself, the anxiety, expectation, excitement and atmosphere makes it a remarkable occasion. I'm glad we've got one back, it has seemed like an eternity."

Listen above or on BBC Sounds

Sunderland's Finn Geragusian may have been knocked out of the FA Youth Cup after suffering a 3-2 loss to Manchester United in the sixth round, but the 18-year-old now has international football on the horizon.

The Wearside academy prospect has been called up to the Armenia senior squad for the first time in his career.

Geragusian, born in County Durham, qualifies for Armenia through his grandfather.

Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, the centre forward said: "I am so proud of myself and what I have achieved. All my family are very proud of me."

Armenia, who are 105th in the Fifa men's ranking, will face Belarus on 29 March in Yerevan.

Geragusian said his grandfather had shown him "the heritage and culture of Armenia" and the Sunderland prospect is now learning Armenian.

"I can say one or two words, but I am currently learning some more. A lot of them speak good English, which is really helpful for me," he added.

Although Geragusian has received his first senior call-up in international football, he is yet to feature in a first-team game for his boyhood club.

Hit play above to hear more from Geragusian or listen on BBC Sounds here

Image source, Getty Images

We are getting to the stage of the season where every Premier League team is managing injuries in their squad as the sheer volume and intensity of games begins to take its toll.

But who has been most affected by injuries across the campaign so far?

Ben Dinnery, from Premier Injuries Limited, has provided the data below, showing the number of domestic injuries each top-flight team has suffered, defined by a player missing at least one Premier League game.

The data has been taken from the opening weekend up to and including 18 March.

Despite this table listing domestic injuries, it is unsurprising that the top three of Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa have all competed in European competition, with the Gunners still fighting on four fronts and the Blues also coming off the back of a much-shortened pre-season following their Club World Cup victory.

Perhaps more surprisingly, however, is the fact Arsenal's 31 domestic injuries so far comfortably leads the way, illustrating the strength and depth available to Mikel Arteta to still have his side nine points clear at the top of the table.

The graphic below shows Tottenham lead the way for days missed by injured players, illustrating the issues faced by Thomas Frank, who had to cope with long-term absentees including Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

Both West Ham and Brentford are in the bottom three for domestic injuries and days missed through those injuries, while Arsenal and Villa are in the top three for both.

Chelsea drop down the table when looking at days missed, showing they have predominately suffered from short absences spread throughout the squad.

It is worth pointing out that Newcastle's two longest absences this season - Emil Krafth (120 days) and Yoane Wissa (88 days), who had not yet even trained with his new side, resulted from injuries picked up on international duty and are not factored into the figures.

Sunderland Echo journalist James Copley believes Regis le Bris has done enough this season to "disqualify" himself from any major questions over their recent dip in form.

The Black Cats have won just one of their past six Premier League games, and also recently suffered a disappointing defeat to League One strugglers Port Vale in the FA Cup.

However, Sunderland still sit just two points behind bitter rivals Newcastle as they prepare to face each other on Sunday.

"To be on 40 points now is exceptional, and that disqualifies Regis le Bris from any major questions and criticisms heading into the next part of the season," Copley told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"It's an interesting game, derbies always are. There's a lot riding on this. If you get a win in the Premier League at the minute it can really catapult you off there.

"Le Bris finds himself in a difficult spot because he has redefined expectations, and because there's been a little drop-off fans have reacted to that, which I think is a shame.

"What Le Bris has done is exceptional, and what he's done this season is nothing short of phenomenal.

"But there are still a few issues especially at the top end of the pitch, which fans are right to address."

You can listen to the full derby day preview with Copley on BBC Sounds

Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says the Black Cats' lack of squad depth is limiting Regis Le Bris' power to change games.

After Yakuba Minteh gave Brighton a second-half lead on Saturday, Sunderland could not find an equaliser and lost their third successive game at the Stadium of Light.

Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle: "We're lacking the final ball at the moment. Our attacking options are so limited.

"It's hard for the manager. You're looking at the bench, you're looking for inspiration from the people sat behind you.

"We've got four young lads on there who've not played a Premier League minute.

"We've got massive injury issues, a small squad, and so many key players missing that it had an effect.

"In isolation, you'd say it wasn't too bad - there's stuff to build on, positive performance. But when it's your third defeat at home on the bounce, you're going to look at it in a different light."

Press play to hear Gabbiadini's full reaction to defeat by Brighton or listen on BBC Sounds

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United should have been awarded a penalty in their 1-0 loss at home to Sunderland on 3 March, according to the Premier League's Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel.

The game was goalless in the 16th minute when Daniel Farke's side were awarded a corner.

As the ball was delivered from the right, Sunderland's Luke O'Nien held back Pascal Struijk.

The KMI Panel unanimously voted that it was a mistake by referee Stuart Attwell and there should have been a video assistant referee (VAR) intervention from Paul Tierney.

It noted that O'Nien is "not looking at the ball, places his arms around the neck of Struijk in a clear non-footballing action and stops the Leeds United attacker from progressing towards goal".

After the game, Farke was furious that his side had not been awarded the spot-kick.

"It's not even a question," Farke said. "What was VAR doing?

"It's tough to understand how this is not checked. If the referee watched it back he would say all day long it's a penalty.

"It's more for VAR, it's difficult for the referee to see."

It is the first VAR error logged against Leeds this season.

Leeds went on to lose the game through a 70th-minute VAR penalty after Ethan Ampadu was penalised for handball inside the area.

This was also supported by a 5:0 vote.

The KMI Panel said: "Ampadu clearly knocks the ball away with his arm in a secondary motion and the VAR intervention was supported as correct."

Gavin Henderson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Place yourself in the shoes of young Chris Rigg. Brought in for his first Premier League start in a while, he was the standout performer for Sunderland against Brighton, looking more like the version of the player we became accustomed to last season when we were in the Championship. Then, just after the second half started, he scored - his first goal in the top flight, which he celebrated with passion.

Alas, it wasn't to be as it was found that Omar Alderete, who was involved earlier in the move, was offside. VAR made the right call and the goal was chalked off, and Rigg was robbed of that feeling of scoring in the Premier League.

He'll get plenty of chances to do it again, but Rigg's performance really did deserve a goal, and he's given himself an unbelievable chance of starting next Sunday at Newcastle in the derby.

There's been no secret made of the fact that Rigg grew up supporting that lot up the road, but he's got Sunderland blood coursing through his veins now, and it would be some story if he were to somehow have a big involvement in the result at St James' Park.

This isn't just a huge week for Rigg, though , it's huge for all of us. The games between Sunderland and Newcastle are some of the most captivating fixtures on the calendar, and with us taking the bragging rights back in December, the pressure is all on the Geordies to atone for their mistakes and beat us in a league game for the first time in 15 years.

The rest of Sunderland's players can take Rigg's lead from his performance on Saturday – play without fear, get stuck in and see how far it gets us.

Preparation is key. We've got many injuries, but I'm not interested in making excuses. No matter who lines up on Sunday, they have to be up for the fight.

Do that, and this time next week, I could well be talking about a Sunderland double over our nearest and dearest... and wouldn't that be sweet?

Find more from Gavin Henderson at Roker Report, external

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Sunderland and Brighton.

Here are some of your comments:

Sunderland fans

Steven: Only Forest and Wolves have scored fewer goals than us in the Premier League this season. It's as simple as, if we struggle to score goals we struggle to win games.

Milo: Maybe the most frustrating defeat of the season. We ran out of ideas when Brighton went ahead despite being the better side for much of the game. Need to push through this rough patch, especially with so many injuries.

David: Defeat was a bit harsh but, equally, we didn't do enough to win what was a decent game overall. It is clear that injuries and a small squad, with players playing out of position, is taking its toll in an unforgiving league. Shame for the much improved Rigg that he didn't get his goal, but good to see Brobbey back. Xhaka and Diarra looked a bit sluggish and several others faded badly in the last 30. We as fans need to try to stay as calm as our manager is, particularly in the build up to next weekends fixture.

Mick: Need to start attacking defences down the middle and not constantly trying to whip the ball in from the right, same strategy every week. Lucky we already have 40pts, or we would be in a relegation battle.

Brighton fans

Brian: A good first half performance and well controlled in the second half. The number of goal scoring chances we are missing is still a concern, but a very welcome three points.

Mick: Another mature away performance. We are learning how to manage games. Slick passing and more energy than the opposition led to a thoroughly deserved, narrow win. The back four were excellent against a tough but disorganised attack. A few more games like this and we can start to dream again...

Fran: Played well but if we could take our chances we would so much higher in the league. Great to get to the 40 points . I just think if we want to challenge for Europe we need to sign a proven experienced goal scorer who knows where the goal is.

Tim: Another much better performance. There were some glaring errors, especially Dunk's pass out from the back that was intercepted. But all in all we were a lot better. Hope to see us kick on from here and have a strong finish to the season.

Sunderland are prepared to pay 15m euros (£12.9m) to sign Spanish midfielder Thiago Pitarch, 18, from Real Madrid. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Pundits Joe Hart and Ashley Williams join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Sunderland 0-1 Brighton

• Burnley 0-0 Bournemouth

• Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle

• Arsenal 2-0 Everton

Sam Drury
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland have undoubtedly exceeded pre-season expectations, at least from those outside the club, so far this term, but the past month has been a struggle.

Their unbeaten home record was ended by Liverpool in February and subsequent losses to Fulham and now Brighton suggest that feeling of invincibility on home soil has vanished.

A rare away win at Leeds at the start of the month is looking more important by the day, ensuring they remain clear of a relegation battle.

But one win in six league games and an embarrassing FA Cup exit to League One strugglers Port Vale does not look like the basis for a European charge.

Regis Le Bris will have been frustrated to see a strong start to the second period fade away and even more disappointed by his side's failure to create any chances of note after going behind.

With a long season approaching its final stretch, Sunderland need something to help fire them towards a finish line with momentum - a trip to fierce rivals Newcastle next weekend might just provide that.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris speaking to BBC Match of the Day after their defeat by Brighton: "It was a good Premier League game. Brighton were good during the first half, the first 30 minutes. The second half was well balanced. We had an opportunity disallowed. They had their opportunity which was allowed. The lads showed great mentality. It was a good game but it wasn't enough today.

On Brighton's goal: "For me, we have to play the game. If we think that the VAR or the referee will help us, it doesn't make any sense. We have to defend the goal and play until the end."

On goalkeeper Melker Ellborg starting: "He is doing well and stepping up in the Premier League. We are struggling a bit so it gives opportunities for young lads. They need time and support, and it is important to feel the support. We need to help them rather than being negative."

"We quickly forget that last season we were in the Championship, we got promoted at the end. A young squad needs time, they need to struggle because you learn a lot in this time. We have another important fixture next week because we are excited by the event and we are looking forward to it [derby game against Newcastle]."

You can listen to more from Le Bris on BBC Sounds

Did you know?

• 14 of Sunderland's Premier League games have been goalless at half time this season, more than any other side.