Sunderland may have won both Tyne-Wear derbies this season, but Magpies man Anthony Gordon still thinks Newcastle are the better side

Despite Sunderland A.F.C. completing an impressive double over fierce rivals Newcastle United F.C. in this season’s Tyne-Wear derbies, one Magpies star has sparked fresh debate with a bold claim that’s sure to divide opinions across the North East.

Anthony Gordon has insisted that Newcastle remain the stronger side overall, even after tasting defeat in both derby encounters. His comments have raised eyebrows among supporters, especially given how much weight these fixtures carry in one of English football’s most intense rivalries.

The Tyne-Wear derby is never just about three points—it’s about pride, identity, and bragging rights that can last a lifetime.

Sunderland’s victories this season were celebrated wildly by their fans, reinforcing belief that the club is on the rise and capable of competing with their top-flight neighbours. For many, doing the double over Newcastle is more than enough evidence to suggest a shift in power.

However, Gordon sees things differently. The winger, who has been a key figure for Newcastle, pointed to the bigger picture—highlighting consistency, squad depth, and performances across the entire campaign as reasons why he believes the Magpies still hold the edge.

It’s a viewpoint that reflects the confidence within the Newcastle camp. Despite the derby setbacks, they have remained competitive in other competitions and continue to show signs of long-term progress under their current project.

Gordon’s stance suggests that, internally, there is little concern about the derby defeats defining their season.
For Sunderland, though, the results speak volumes.

Winning both clashes has given their supporters something special to hold onto and has added fuel to hopes that the club is moving in the right direction. The emotional impact of those victories cannot be understated, especially in a rivalry where moments like these become part of club folklore.

Ultimately, Gordon’s comments have added another layer of intrigue to an already fiery rivalry. Whether fans agree or not, his statement ensures that the debate over who truly holds the upper hand in the North East is far from settled—and the next Tyne-Wear derby can’t come soon enough.