Sunderland have been involved in and won many classic matches during their 141-year history. From goal fests to nail-biting victories and the occasional defeat which will live long in the memories of all supporters. Here is a look back at just some of the memorable matches Sunderland have been involved in. Not just for their supporters but for fans of football.
Part Two begins back in 1998 during the Black Cats’ first season at their new home, with a classic playoff semifinal. It ends with a convincing win away at bitter rivals Newcastle United.
For part one, click here.
Memorable Sunderland Matches: Part Two
1998: Sunderland 2-0 Sheffield United Playoff Semifinal 2nd Leg
Trailing two one from the first leg, Sunderland knew exactly what was needed in the second leg at a packed Stadium of Light. The atmosphere at their new home for this game rivalled any heard at their famous old ground Roker Park. The fans were up for this game, and so were the players.
Sunderland’s players needed a big match performance and result. They delivered both. The Black Cats started brightly and put constant pressure on the United goal. On 21 minutes their pressure paid off. Winger Allan Johnstone’s cross-shot was deflected into the far corner. Seven minutes before halftime, Sunderland doubled their lead and went ahead overall on aggregate. Nicky Summerbee’s shot was deflected in by Kevin Phillips for his 34th goal of the season.
The second half continued as just like the first with the home side pressing and goalkeeper Lionel Perez a spectator. However, when the Frenchman was called upon he produced the goods. An excellent block was followed by an even better double save. The first a volley and then the follow up to display speed and agility. The Black Cats held on and fans celebrated a memorable night at their new home.
1998: Sunderland 4-4 Charlton Athletic – Playoff Final
In what is regarded by many as the greatest play-off final ever, Sunderland and Charlton served up a classic in front of almost 78,000 at the old Wembley Stadium. This is not a game Black Cats fans want to remember too often but there is no denying that this was a memorable game. Unfortunately for many, a look back at great Sunderland games will unlikely be without this Wembley classic.
Both teams finished the season close to gaining automatic promotion. The Black Cats finished on 90 points finishing third, while the Addicks finished fourth on 88 points. Sunderland, backed by the whole of Wearside and the majority in the stadium, had a disappointing first half to the game with Charlton leading 1-0 at halftime. Sunderland born Clive Mendonca with the goal.
Second Half Turnaround
However, the second half was a dramatic improvement with no one able to predict what was to come.
Sunderland dominated the early stages of the second half and within 13 minutes they were in front. Niall Quinn equalised on 50 minutes, squeezing a header into the net from a Summerbee corner. Eight minutes later, Sunderland fans were celebrating once again as Wembley began to shake. Top scorer Kevin Phillips went through on goal and cooly lobbed the ball over Charlton’s advancing keeper.
With less than 20 minutes remaining the scores were again level. Mendonca again scoring against the team he supported. The tables turned back in the Black Cats favour just minuted later when Niall Quinn scored his second. Once again, Wembley shook due to the noise and celebrations. With time running out, Charlton once again equalised via a header from a corner which found an empty net after goalkeeper Lionel Perez got caught up in the mass of players battling for the ball. Players and fans were exhausted but extra time was to come.
Nine minutes into extra time, Sunderland were once again leading. Nicky Summerbee drilling the ball hard and low into the bottom corner. Fans were once again praying that would be the end. Mendonca and Charlton had other ideas. The Addicks got their fourth of the afternoon and Mendonca his third to send the game into a penalty shootout. The rest, as they say, is history.
1999: Sunderland 4-1 Chelsea
On the opening day of the season, newly promoted Sunderland travelled to Chelsea for their first game of the season. An excellent performance from the Blues brought the Black Cats crashing back to earth, romping to a four-nil win. The return game was Sunderland’s chance to gain revenge. And get revenge they did with a display still talked about more than 20 years on.
Sunderland were a different proposition from the one on the first day of the season. The team had hit their stride and were making their mark on the Premier League. Especially striker duo Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn who were terrorising opposition defences. With just 45 seconds gone, Chelsea knew they were in for a rough afternoon. Niall Quinn opening the scoring.
24 minutes later, Sunderland doubled their lead through a brilliant half volley from Kevin Phillips. Former midfielder Eric Roy who played in this game had this to say:
“When I arrived in England I didn’t know him. But I’ll tell you the truth, when I spoke with people in football back in France, in Europe – they’re always asking about Phillips and the Golden Boot.
“Kev, he was maybe the best striker I’ve ever seen in my life. The way he could strike the ball, the goals he scored – and he made a fantastic partnership with Niall.
Before the 40th minute, Quinn and Phillips and both scored again to make the score four-nil. Chelsea at the time were one of the favourites to win the league; however, they had been completely outplayed at the Stadium of Light. The Blues managed to score a consolation in the second half through future Sunderland manager Gus Poyet but the game was way out of reach by this stage and the Black Cats controlled the game.
2007: Sunderland 3-2 Burnley
On another memorable night on Wearside, Sunderland won an epic game to come within touching distance of a return to the Premier League. When Roy Keane took over as manager earlier in the season, survival was the aim. He took a team devoid of confidence, moulded them into everything he was as a player and eventually got them promoted in his first season as a manager. On this night the result meant one win (which they would get) would guarantee promotion.
As any supporter knows, the Black Cats rarely do things the easy way. What followed was a five-goal thriller, featuring three penalties and a world-class winner. Sunderland took the lead through Daryl Murphy and should have doubled it only for David Connolly’s penalty to be saved. Burnley equalised via a penalty of their own to make it 1-1 at halftime.
Five minutes after the interval, Burnley took the lead; however, just four minutes later, Connolly made it for his earlier penalty miss by converting his second chance from the spot. It was edge of the seat stuff at the Stadium of Light as both teams went in search of the winner. On 80 minutes, up stepped winger Carlos Edwards to produce a piece of magic to win the game. His stunning drive from well outside of the box almost broke the net and it sealed the win for Keane and his Sunderland team.
2010: Sunderland 3-1 Tottenham
Another classic from the Stadium of Light saw a four-goal thriller which included a first-minute goal, two missed penalties and a spectacular finish to secure the win.
Former Spurs striker Darren Bent put Sunderland into the lead after just 34 seconds. Bent extended his teams lead midway through half via the penalty spot. The Black Cats were by far the better team and should have further extended their lead before halftime. Another penalty was given. But, this time Bent’s spot-kick was saved.
Tottenham emerged for the second half a different team and were beginning to threaten. However, it was once again the home side who should have put the game beyond doubt. First, Bent had another penalty saved and defender Anton Ferdinand had a goal disallowed. Sunderland should have been out of sight by now but when Peter Crouch pulled a goal back, nerves amongst the fans set in.
Spurs could not find an equaliser and were punished with four minutes remaining. Bolo Zenden met Jordan Henderson’s cross with an acrobatic volley which went into the top corner. It sealed the win for the red and whites in an astonishing game at the Stadium of Light.
2013: Newcastle 0-3 Sunderland
Sunderland had appointed the controversial Italian Paolo Di Canio to succeed Martin O’Neill as they attempted to survive in the Premier League. This was Di Canio’s second game in charge and it brought another memorable victory for the Wearsiders on Tyneside. The Magpies were in confident mood prior to the game; however, Sunderland outplayed and outfought their hosts and deservedly led at the break. Stephane Sessegnon was the scorer.
Newcastle would have a goal ruled out for offside before the Black Cats extended their lead. David Vaughan scored an excellent third from outside of the box to seal the win and to send his new manager skidding down the St James Park pitch on his knees in delight. The victory was much deserved and manager and players celebrated with the away fans at the end as the home supporters poured out of the ground. It was this game that began Sunderland’s winning streak against Newcastle.
After the game Di Canio couldn’t hide his delight:
“They were warriors. You can’t be more proud than this. They did everything, they gave everything, they left all of their energy on the field. “In terms of the result for this area, it is an incredible step. But in terms of the table, it is only a small step to try and get this club out of the relegation zone. We have to be intelligent because the main job is not done.”
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