Nick Woltemade’s first experience of Newcastle United vs Sunderland could not have gone any worse.
The 23-year-old scored the only goal of the game at the Stadium of Light, but the problem was it was in the wrong net.
Nick Woltemade’s own goal gave Sunderland victory over Newcastle United, as Eddie Howe’s side put in an embarrassingly poor performance in the derby.
Finish this sentence, the worst thing about Newcastle United’s defeat to Sunderland was _
Having to hear about it until at least March, would be my answer!
Newcastle were awful against Sunderland, and their miserable trip to Wearside was summed up by Woltemade’s comical own goal.
He cut a dejected figure as soon as his accidental header looped over Aaron Ramsdale, and it will take a lot of work to rebuild his confidence.
Jamie Carragher compares Newcastle United own goal to 1969 blunder
This game will haunt Woltemade for a long time. His own goal against Sunderland will follow him around like a bad smell, tarnishing what has been such an impressive start to his Newcastle United career.
That is the view of former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who has explained why it will take supporters a long time to forget what Woltemade did at the Stadium of Light on 14th December 2025.
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“Unfortunately for him, this goal is going to be remembered for a very long time,” he told Sky Sports Premier League via X.
“The reason I tell you that is because of my experience of Merseyside derbies. There is a very famous goal by a player in 1969 that still gets referenced today. Sandy Brown scored a very famous headed goal at Goodison Park against Liverpool in a 3-0 win for Liverpool.
“I should add Everton won the league title that season. But that is still mentioned today.
“Unfortunately for that man, who has had a brilliant start to his Newcastle career, that is going to be remembered for a very, very long time.”
After losing on Sunday, do you think Newcastle United will finish higher than Sunderland this season?
They weren't particularly great, but they didn't need to be.
Nick Woltemade needs derby redemption against Sunderland
As far as Tyne-Wear derby debuts go, Woltemade’s could not have gone much worse.
Even away from his own goal, Woltemade was poor against Sunderland. He was barely involved, touching the ball just 12 times. That is alarming.
The German’s name will suddenly be revered on Wearside, having helped extend their unbeaten run in the derby to 10 Premier League games. Woltemade made Sunderland’s day, and it will be a challenge for him to bounce back.
What he needs is the next derby to come around as soon as possible. If Woltemade can score in the right net when Newcastle face Sunderland at St James’ Park in March then he can begin to get over the embarrassment of what happened at the Stadium of Light.
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