Wear so magical

Our voice of the North

■■The magnificence of Sunderland fans taking over Trafalgar Square, a sea of red and white, flares ablaze, en route to Wembley is a hard sight to beat.

It’s happened twice in 2019 – at the Checkatrade Trophy and League One play-off finals – and once in 2014 against Manchester City in the Capital One Cup.

Wearside’s long-suffering fans have lapped up their trophy bids, and water in the fountain.

Today there will be no Mackem invasion of London, but the Sunderland faithful have still managed to conjure a sight as amazing as their cup final communion.

And that is the totaliser of the fan-led Virtual Wembley ticket initiative. As of Saturday, it had reached more than £130,000.

Instead of being at Wembley, fans have been snapping up £5 e-tickets, £10 printed keepsakes and businesses buying £100 “hospitality” tickets... in aid of local charities.

Lifelong fan Peter Richardson mentioned the idea on a message board then fans’ groups, including the Red and White Army and the Sunderland AFC Branch Liaison Council, ran with the idea.

Funds are going to the Foundation of Light, Salvation Army, Sunderland Foodbank and Washington Mind.

It’s a Sunderland victory – even before the Papa John’s Trophy final has kicked off.

It may just prompt neutrals to be willing Lee Johnson (above) and his side on to win the clash with Tranmere – even more so because of their amazing run of losses at Wembley.

Sunderland have gone home beaten from their last seven visits.

The 1985 Milk Cup final, the 1990 play-off final, the 1992 FA Cup final, the 1999 play-off final, the 2014 League Cup final and twice in 2019.

But this is a club on the up. One that has turned the corner from drifting in League One without much hope, to having a new, super-focused owner, who could get a Wembley win in his first 40 days as chief, while fans have waited 40 years!

e of their last seven at Goodison Park 1), as many defeats as in their previous home league matches before this run (W10 D8 L5).

■■Burnley have won away against Everton and Liverpool in a single league campaign for the first time, and are the third side to do so this season after Manchester City and Fulham.

■■No side have conceded more goals from outside the box in the Prem this season than Everton (10 – with Palace). Only in 2000-01 (13) and 2006-07 (12) did they ship more from range.