Newcastle United made light work of bitter rivals Sunderland in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Despite so much talk about Newcastle heading to Sunderland in poor form and having struggled away from home all season, it rarely seemed to be much of a contest at the Stadium of Light.
Indeed, Dan Ballard’s own goal and a brace from Alexander Isak saw Eddie Howe’s side sail into the fourth round of the FA Cup, a feat they had never previously achieved under his management.
The hosts never really got close to the Magpies throughout the game, albeit Alex Pritchard did have two good chances.
Still, despite the dominance, there were the kind of fiery moments you might imagine from a Tyne-Wear derby, one involving Anthony Gordon.
Anthony Gordon: Trai Hume clash during Sunderland vs Newcastle
When Gordon was running through on goal, he was tracked by Sunderland defender Trai Hume, who was already on a booking at the time.
The two tussled with Gordon losing part of his shirt having wrestled Hume away from him.
It looked as if the two were involved in a verbal confrontation after, with ITV commentator Sam Matterface suggesting Gordon said: “He’s telling Trai Hume, if you want my shirt, I’ll give it to you afterwards.”
Anthony Gordon: Yet more reasons for Newcastle fans to love him
After a difficult spell upon his initial move from Everton, Gordon has convinced this season.
While the goals and assists are one thing, there’s surely not much more a Newcastle player can do to endear himself to supporters than winding up Sunderland players and supporters.
Already establishing himself as a leading player in Howe’s team, to see that kind of passion in a big game is simply fantastic.
He struggled away at Everton in what would have been a big game for him individually. Luckily, he did the business in a bigger game for the club.
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