Simon Jordan makes ‘massive’ Sunderland claim in response to Jim White’s Newcastle comment
Simon Jordan is not sure that Sunderland have overshadowed Newcastle this season, despite their impressive start to the campaign.
Sunderland sit ninth in the Premier League, exceeding all pre-season expectations, one point above their local rivals, who are 12th in the division.
Regis Le Bris and Co. have taken the top-flight by storm, with their approach keeping them firmly ahead of the relegation zone.
Sunderland will take on Newcastle in the top-flight for the first time since 2016 on Sunday at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have ‘massive opportunity’ against Newcastle
Jordan was responding to a question from Jim White on whether the Black Cats have eclipsed their neighbours with their exploits this season.
However, the ex-Crystal Palace owner believes that while it is a huge opportunity for the Mackems, they have not necessarily overshadowed the Magpies.
Speaking on talkSPORT on 10 December, White said: “The first derby of the season with Sunderland is ahead on Sunday. Have they not been overshadowed by their North-East rivals?”
Jordan replied, saying: “Yay and nay, the expectations of Sunderland is being exceeded by their achievements because people are marvelling at the way they’ve come up and done their job so well.
“The fact Newcastle are in the Champions League and are expected to punch really hard, probably doesn’t mean they’re being eclipsed by Sunderland, but what it does mean is there’s a massive opportunity for people to be hugely engaged.
“At no point when this was put on the roster did anyone expect Sunderland to be in this type of condition. Newcastle have a real game on their hands. It’ll be a helluva game.”
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For years, Mackems supporters have had to watch while their rivals were in the top tier and even qualified for the Champions League.
However, now the sides have parity, being in the same division, and Le Bris and Co. can make a real statement by beating Eddie Howe’s side.
They have already beaten Chelsea and drawn with Liverpool, proving that they can achieve positive results against the big sides.
The Magpies have been far from their best this season, potentially due to their commitments in Europe, while the Black Cats have only lost four of their opening 15 matches since returning to the highest echelons of English football.
Howe’s team will be aware of the danger that they are facing, and will have to be at the very top of their game, especially with the hostile atmosphere that the fans are going to create.
Sunderland have a real chance to get one over on the St James’ Park outfit, after years of misery in the Championship.
They simply have to take it, and get the bragging rights over what is seen by many, as one of the elite sides in the British game at the moment.
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