EPL Half Time Match Report: Sunderland vs. Newcastle United
Starting XI for Sunderland: Gordon, Onuoha, Bramble, Ferdinand, Bardsley, El-Mohammady, Henderson, Richardson, Malbranque, Gyan, Bent
Subs: Mignolet, Zenden, Angeleri, Da Silva, Riveros, Reid, Colback
Starting XI for Newcastle United: Harper, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Jose Enrique, Barton, Nolan, Smith, Gutierrez, Best, Ameobi
Subs: Krul, Guthrie, Routledge, Lovenkrands, Perch, Gosling, Ranger
The Premier League Sunday Derby kicked off in emphatic fashion when Sunderland took on their arch rivals Newcastle United. Both teams looked to gain bragging rights, with Newcastle already managing a 5-1 victory over the Black Cats earlier
in the season.
In the 2nd minute Shola Ameobi had a perfect opportunity to find the opening goal. It was terrible defending from Bramble when he let Ameobi race on to a superb lofted ball from Barton but, one-on-one, the striker
slid it wide with Gordon beaten. Barton was however the man to praise who produced a lustrous curling cross from the outside of his boot.
Soon enough the Newcastle United goal keeper was called into action too but it wasn’t just him who had to be on toes as the 8th minute saw a chance to draw first blood. It was a brilliant curling diagonal cross-field
pass by Malbranque with Bent racing away on the right. Turning onside he cut Coloccini granting him a clear opportunity to shoot, however in the end he fired too close for Harper who batted it out with his legs. It should have been a goal at the far post,
which was wide open. Nonetheless it was a magnificent save from Harper which kept the shot out.
Barton was threatening again when he released Jonas with a super ball but his cross was weak. Henderson came forward to the attack but it was too late as Jonas was back defending already. Eventually Coloccini gave it away as he dragged
out wide which gave a chance to El-Mohammady. Nevertheless he too failed in his attempt to find Gyan.
The Egyptian made up for it though by tackling http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jonas-c18967 and bringing it forward for Bent. What a tug of war it was between two very talented sides.
On the 25th minute, Coloccini met El-Mohammady's cross with a powerful header. Sunderland got it back though as El-Mohammady attempted a low cross came out too low in the end.
Nolan was on the run after that with Bent going wide after him. The ball ultimately landed for El-Mohammady and the player managed an excellent out swinging cross but no-one took a punt to reach it hence another chance to score drifted
away.
There was nothing to choose between the two sides as at the end of the day goals produce winners. However both teams have to be credited for playing some entertaining football and an exciting second half can be expected. Steve Bruce would
be looking to add the missing ingredient to finish off opportunities while Newcastle need bring the ball in their opponents half more often. Barton has been impressive with his attacking play but the side really is missing the services of star striker Andy
Carroll.
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