Eddie Howe is not the first, and is unlikely to be the last, manager outwitted by Régis Le Bris this season but few are likely to find the experience quite as painful.
Losing this most febrile of local derbies is a big deal and in past seasons prompted Ruud Gullit and, later, Alan Pardew swiftly stepping down form their posts as Newcastle manager. Howe has far too much credit in the bank to even contemplate such a notion, but a reverse sealed by Nick Woltemade’s spectacular headed own goal was still intensely chastening for a coach whose side never really got going.
It left the promoted Sunderland seventh, four points and five places ahead of their rivals who could struggle to achieve their stated aim of qualifying for the Champions League once more next season. On this evidence this term’s European exertions are taking a considerable toll.
The Stadium of Light has one of the largest press boxes in the Premier League but, for once, every seat was taken. Arabic, Bulgarian and Japanese were among the languages being spoken in the media areas as 12 international broadcasters from across the world set up camp.
Yet if north-east England and its football clubs were firmly back on the map, this also remained an intensely parochial affair. The home fans delighted in chorusing: “If you hate the Mags stand up.” Newcastle had brought a special plaque with them and pinned it up above their dressing-room door. “Get into them,” was the message but, before the sound and the fury erupted, Sunderland supporters took time to remember Gary Rowell.
