Former Newcastle United manager gives Tyne-Wear derby verdict as VAR observation made

Graeme Souness insisted Newcastle United proved they are “superior” to Sunderland following their 3-0 Tyne-Wear derby win.

The former Toon boss took charge of one clash against the Black Cats during his time at St James’ Park, the 3-2 win in October 2005 best remembered for Emre Belozoglu’s free-kick winner. By the time April’s reverse fixture came around, the 4-1 comeback win which proved to be Alan Shearer’s final game, he had already been sacked by Freddy Shepherd.

Souness hardly left Newcastle a legend but a derby win gave him a feat to look back on when assessing his time on Tyneside. Fast forward to the present and the Magpies have claimed another scalp over Sunderland - their first victory for almost 13 years.

Competing in separate divisions simmered the hostilities but the animosity resumed on Saturday at the Stadium of Light. Losing seven of their last eight games placed the Magpies under pressure but they coasted to a routine win over Championship opposition.

The Black Cats failed to land a bow on Eddie Howe’s team, who controlled the game from start to finish. Ex-Newcastle manager Souness felt as though United stamped their authority on the game, letting Sunderland know who the top-flight side were.

Speaking to talkSPORT, the 70-year-old also hailed referee Craig Pawson, who officiated the contest without VAR. Souness said: “Newcastle, you could see, were the far superior team. (It was a) very good Premier League team and a team that is hoping to get into the play-offs for the Championship.

“There’s a gap. What I noticed most about it, and I really enjoyed the game, was the refereeing. No VAR involved. Because there was no VAR, he let a lot more go. It was as if, when they referee with VAR, they’re nervous and pulling everything back.

"I thought it was a good game of football and the referee played his part. That result might just turn a corner for them. At Newcastle, the roof is never far from falling in.””