Newcastle United’s first meeting with Sunderland in years proved to be a relatively straightforward affair.
Despite struggling away from home all season, Eddie Howe’s side sailed into the fourth round of the FA Cup with ease following a 3-0 win in Sunderland’s backyard.
It is the first time Newcastle have progressed into the fourth round of the FA Cup under Howe’s management and to do it against their bitter rivals was extremely pleasing.
The dominant nature of the victory was even better to see and allowed for some antics on the field.
Indeed, Anthony Gordon appeared to tell a Black Cats defender he could have his shirt after the game following a tussle, while the squad were able to take a photo in front of the away end in celebration, much to the annoyance of the home supporters still left in the stadium.
There was another great moment too it seems.
Kieran Trippier: How Newcastle captain responded to Sunderland taunts
According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle skipper Kieran Trippier responded to being goaded by Sunderland fans by pointing to the scoreboard, which at the time read 2-0 to Newcastle.
Hope wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Kieran Trippier responds to taunts from the home fans by pointing to the scoreboard, which reads Sunderland 0 Newcastle 2”.
Kieran Trippier: How well did Newcastle star play vs Sunderland?
After a difficult spell for Trippier during which he admits his standards have dropped, the England international put in a very strong performance.
According to WhoScored data, the 33-year-old played three key passes at the Stadium of Light, more than anyone on the pitch. His three tackles were beaten by only Miguel Almiron from a Newcastle perspective, with Sunderland’s Jack Clarke barely able to get in the game down that flank.
Clearly, there will be more difficult tests to come but after a rocky patch, Trippier did at least impress in a big game.
Hopefully, he can get fully back up to speed soon.
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