Chris Rigg: Sunderland midfielder reignites Black Cats career in win vs Newcastle United
Chris Rigg has largely played a squad role for Sunderland this season, but his performance against Newcastle United proved why he belongs in the starting XI.
The 18-year-old midfielder was an essential part of Sunderland‘s promotion-winning season last term, making 42 appearances in the Championship, as well as featuring in all three of their play-off games.
Rigg bagged four goals and an assist for the Black Cats in 2024-25, making 47 total appearances in all competitions as he established himself as one of the brightest young talents outside the Premier League.
However, Regis Le Bris‘ side received a significant amount of investment during the summer transfer window following promotion, with a number of quality midfielders arriving at the Stadium of Light.
This has seen Rigg struggle to emerge through the crowded midfield department and cement a place in the team, but he’s given himself every opportunity of doing so after Sunday.
Chris Rigg was excellent for Sunderland against Newcastle
Sunderland enjoyed yet another memorable day on Tyneside on Sunday, as Le Bris’ boys ran out 2-1 winners over Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby.
Anthony Gordon had given the Magpies an early lead, but second-half goals from Chemsdine Talbi and a dramatic late stoppage time winner from Brian Brobbey saw the Black Cats take all three points.
| Sunderland stats vs Newcastle (22/03/26) | Result |
| Possession | 40% |
| Shots | 17 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 2.45 |
| Fouls | 19 |
Having played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 defeat to Brighton previously, Rigg was able to keep his place in the lineup for the short trip to Tyneside.
That proved to be an inspired decision by Le Bris, as the teenager was superb at St James’ Park, seldom giving the ball away and providing a constant playmaking threat for Sunderland.
As per Sofascore, Rigg completed 75 per cent of his passes successfully, took three shots on goal, completed his lone dribble attempt successfully and made six defensive contributions.
He also won all five of his ground duels and all four of his tackle attempts, made five recoveries, one clearance and an interception respectively.
Rigg looks at home on the right flank for Sunderland
Delivering all three of his crosses accurately against Newcastle, Rigg looked totally comfortable deployed out on the right flank on Sunday.
Typically a central midfielder by trade, the injury to Nilson Angulo has opened up a place on the wing, and with Talbi moving over the left, Rigg was the player chosen to fill in on the right as he did against Brighton too.
The teenager took it all in his stride, and put in the kind of performance against the Magpies that means Le Bris will surely have a very tough time not keeping him there moving forward.
With just seven games of the season to go now, and with the win on Sunday now surely securing Sunderland’s Premier League status, these final games provide a perfect opportunity for Rigg to really cement his place in the team for next term.
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