‘Bang’ – Joe Hart: Sunderland fans erupted over what Dan Ballard did to Nick Woltemade
Joe Hart loved the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light during Sunderland’s massive derby win over Newcastle on Sunday.
Mackem fans were delighted at Sunderland’s 1-0 win over Newcastle in a long-awaited Tyne-Wear derby which delivered and more.
Regis Le Bris had some big calls to make heading into the clash, but after switching back to a 4-2-3-1 formation, it’s fair to say that the Sunderland boss got his tactics and selections spot on.
Nick Woltemade‘s own goal in the second half was enough for the Black Cats to claim bragging rights, but perhaps Dan Ballard needs to be thanked for how he dealt with the Newcastle striker.
Hart reacted after the match and noticed one incident that made the Stadium of Light come to life.
Joe Hart loved Dan Ballard’s challenge on Nick Woltemade
Ballard has come up with big moments for Sunderland this year and has been able to make the step up into Premier League competition.
Sunderland made many new signings in the summer, but Ballard’s performances have deservedly cemented him in Le Bris’ matchday line-ups.
The centre-back was once again on top form against the Mags.
- Ballard made 10 defensive contributions against Newcastle
- He won 100% of his ground duels
- Ballard wasn’t dribbled past once
While speaking on the BBC‘s Match of the Day on Sunday, former Manchester City goalkeeper Hart couldn’t get enough of Ballard’s first-half tackle on Woltemade.
Hart said: “Woltemade is Newcastle’s main man, no doubt about it, and if you want a stadium to erupt, bang, Ballard in.
“He turns the big man over, and then Sunderland are on the front foot again, but it wasn’t reckless.”
It’s moments like these that helped Sunderland to the win, as it only ever looked like the Mackems were going to walk away with three points from the game.
Sunderland turned up, Newcastle didn’t
Earlier in the summer, on the Premier League fixture release day, Sunderland fans would have looked for the derby dates against Newcastle straight away.
The Mackems have had to wait until almost the midway point of the season to face off with their neighbours, and when it came down to it, Sunderland were the ones who were up for the occasion.
| Team | Tackles | Interceptions | Final third passes |
| Sunderland | 10 | 11 | 99 |
| Newcastle | 8 | 3 | 87 |
The stats prove it, Sunderland deserved the win, and the Stadium of Light acted as a 12th man, affecting those away players on the pitch, who were simply scared.
For now, the Mackems can sit back and enjoy the win, before the two meet again at St. James’ Park in March for another showdown which won’t disappoint.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Sunderland news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@mackemnews247