NOW THAT’S Victory delights Poyet in special atmosphere
GUS Poyet says he now fully understands the magic and passion of the Wear- Tyne derby after experiencing one for the first time as the Black Cats’ head coach.
The Uruguayan kept up his outstanding record against Newcastle United, both as a player and a manager, with a 2- 1 victory which gave Sunderland fans a game to celebrate for many a day.
And afterwards he spoke of his joy at becoming part of North East tradition.
He said: “I saw what it means, all this week, in town.
“It is just about beating your rivals and I think I’m going to have a nice week because of it I can tell you that!
“It is a lot, the SunderlandNewcastle derby. It is incredible this game.
“I had the feeling on my way to the ground that this was a special game – like when you are a player and you going to a final.
“The derby is the only game I miss playing and this one was a great experience. Now I think that I will sleep very well tonight.
“I feel as though I played the game myself – I was almost running to the corner at the end to help the players close the ball down!”
As a player, Poyet scored eight goals against Newcastle United; a statistic which prompted former Magpie manager Sir Bobby Robson to dub him: “the scourge of Newcastle.”
And as a manager his good record continued – knocking Newcastle out of the FA Cup in two consecutive seasons as Brighton manager.
He does not expect to be any more welcome on Tyneside after this weekend’s events.
He said: “I was asked about my record before the game and all I could think was that I don’t want it to change now when I need three points!
“I’m sure Newcastle fans will hate me even more now. I don’t know how or why I have this record but I’m thankful for it and just hope it continues.”
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew labelled defeat as “galling”.
With the score level at 1- 1, Pardew felt his team were in the ascendency – and he was unhappy with Fabio Borini’s winning goal, a superb 25- yard strike.
A linesman had flagged for a Newcastle throw- in, but referee Lee Probert awarded a foul against captain Cheik Tiote. Sunderland broke upfield and scored from the resulting quick free- kick.
“It’s just galling to lose that game – I thought we were the better side,” Pardew said. “The referee’s played a part. I don’t think it’s a foul.
“Our players momentarily stopped. We should have had a throw- in. The linesman indicated a throw- in. They’ve gone down the other end and got a goal with their first shot of the second half.
“It was a game we looked like winning, let alone drawing, so it’s particularly galling to lose.”
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