EPL Round 13: Sunderland AFC vs Newcastle United FC

By: Lucas | November 10th, 2007

Well my alarm didn’t go off but I managed to get up somehow right around 5 AM, and only missed the first 13 minutes of the match.

Apparently I didn’t miss much. We are currently at halftime and the game is 0-0. First half highlights include: Chopra missing a couple nice chances and getting a yellow card; Sunderland looking generally the better side, more possession and way more attempts at goal; Nyron going off with what looked like a hamstring injury about 24 minutes in; and Joey Barton delivering some kind of karate kick right at halftime that probably deserved a booking but the referee didn’t see it.

Now I’ve got my tea and I’m a little more awake. Ready for Sunderland to take advantage of some of those chances in the 2nd half.

52′ – GOAL SUNDERLAND!! – Danny Higginbotham heads past the flatfooted newcastle defense from a quick corner and a cross by Grant Leadbitter. Ha’way!

65′ – GOAL newcastle – Millner with a cross that goes in off the post. Garbage goal.

1-1 FULL TIME – It was a tight game, hotly contested, just what you’d expect from a hate-fueled rivalry. Sunderland were unlucky not to take a full 3 points away from this one, with Millner’s “oops” goal and Chopra coming oh so close to eternal legend status with a header off the bar with about 10 minutes left. Sunderland took more shots and I felt pressured the newcastle goal well. Same old story though I guess: lack of finishing will not lead to many wins. I’ll give MOTM to Higginbotham for his nice goal.

In a way it’s frustrating, in a way it’s relieving that it’s over and the team didn’t shit the bed. And speaking of bed, I need some more beauty rest. Cheers.