Nick Woltemade decided Sunderland vs Newcastle United, but not in the way that he had hoped.
The 23-year-old scored the only goal of the game at the Stadium of Light, putting through his own net as Newcastle United lost 1-0 to Sunderland.
His accidental header in the 46th minute broke Newcastle United hearts, as they slumped to yet another Tyne-Wear derby defeat.
Who was Newcastle United’s most disappointing player vs Sunderland?
Feel free to list all of them in the comments 👀
It was an agonising moment for Nick Woltemade, who never even got close to scoring at the right end of the pitch. In fact, that is true of the entire Newcastle United squad, who managed just two shots on target all game.
Anthony Gordon was one of the Toon attackers who failed to threaten the Sunderland goal, despite having a great opportunity to do so.
Nick Woltemade wasted a great chance to play Anthony Gordon in against Sunderland
In the 10th minute, Newcastle United had their biggest ‘nearly’ moment against Sunderland.
Anthony Elanga and Woltemade combined down the right on the break, with the big man looking to play the Swedish winger through on goal. However, his pass was intercepted.
On the other side of the pitch, a furious Gordon could not hide his disgust at being ignored.
The 24-year-old had the entire Sunderland half to himself almost, and just needed to be played in on goal by Woltemade. However, the striker either did not see him or decided that Elanga was the better option.
Woltemade made the wrong decision, leaving Gordon visibly enraged. He was denied a one-on-one chance, which you would have backed him to score given his recent form.
Shearer’s derby verdict is in! Too harsh or not harsh enough?
I think he's spot on 😠
Anonymous Anthony Gordon struggles as Newcastle United lose to Sunderland
Heading into the Tyne-Wear derby, there was a feeling that Gordon could be decisive for the Magpies. It looked like he had re-found his mojo, having endured a stuttering start to the Premier League season.
Instead, the England international was largely anonymous against Sunderland.
Gordon had just 22 touches, barely threatening the Black Cats’ defence. He only had two chances to run at Nordi Mukiele, who was on a booking after his challenge on Dan Burn.
Alas, Gordon wasted them both. The first saw him lose the ball to the Sunderland defender, while the second resulted in him running it into touch.
Eddie Howe decided to take Gordon off in the 59th minute, with Newcastle chasing the game and needing a goal. That says a lot about how the Scouser was playing.
Newcastle really were ‘awful’ against Sunderland, and that includes Gordon.
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