Alan Shearer didn’t mince his words as he delivered a brutally frank assessment of Newcastle United’s second-half display against Sunderland, labelling it as “pathetic” and “weak”. Eddie Howe’s team entered half-time with a 1-0 lead courtesy of Anthony Gordon’s strike in the 10th minute and were the superior side, with Sunderland posing little threat going forward.

However, the Black Cats emerged as a transformed team in the second half and dominated from the outset. They penned Newcastle into their own half and found a well-deserved equaliser in the 57th minute, as Chemsdine Talbi slotted home from close-range following a blocked effort by Brian Brobbey. Despite Regis Le Bris’ side continuing to dictate the game, Newcastle believed they had regained the lead when Malick Thiaw headed powerfully past goalkeeper Melker Ellborg. But referee Anthony Taylor ruled out the goal on the grounds that Jacob Murphy was offside and obstructing Ellborg.

And it was Sunderland who ultimately clinched the match 2-1 with Brobbey scoring the decisive goal in the 90th minute, as the Dutch international netted on his second attempt after his initial shot was saved.

Given that Sunderland generated 2.45 expected goals (xG) compared to Newcastle’s 1.45 and had more shots, shots on target and significant opportunities, the Black Cats deservedly won based on the statistics.

From Newcastle’s standpoint, there was a stark difference in the display in the first and second halves, and Magpies icon Shearer pulled no punches with his evaluation on social media.

In a message on X, an incensed Shearer declared: “A pathetic, weak, lazy, limp second half from Newcastle again #NEWSUN.”

Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, praised Sunderland for their response after the interval. “[It is] 10 years since they have played at St James’ Park in the Premier League, and Newcastle just cannot beat Sunderland,” the former Liverpool defender told Sky Sports.

“What a moment for them, probably never dreamed in these last four or five years that they could beat Newcastle. Got up surprising through the play-offs last season, and to do the double over their biggest rivals, one of the best moments their young fans will remember.”

The victory for Sunderland has allowed them to climb above Newcastle in the Premier League standings and into 11th position, now merely three points adrift of seventh-placed Brentford in the pursuit of a European berth.

Coming up for Sunderland is a meeting with Tottenham in three weeks’ time on Sunday, April 12, whilst Newcastle make the trip to Crystal Palace on the same day.