GARY NEVILLE'S VERDICT: NEWCASTLE TACTICS 'LOOK BAD' AGAINST LESSER EXPERIENCED FOE
Gary Neville delivers a scathing review of Eddie Howe's strategy against Sunderland. He argues the Black Cats' strong spine was the difference.
Gary Neville praised Sunderland's strong core players as the difference in their win against rivals Newcastle United.
The game wasn't full of great attacking plays, but Sunderland fans are happy after Newcastle's Nick Woltemade's own goal gave their team bragging rights this season.
Neville criticized Eddie Howe's game plan against Sunderland, a team he considers to have less top-level experience.
I felt Newcastle's approach was too negative. If that tactic fails, it looks really bad for a big club, especially against a team with less quality and Premier League experience, Neville said on his podcast.
Neville mentioned Sunderland's summer spending, which is closer to £150m before add-ons, saying they need to see some results from that big investment.
It wasn't a high-quality game. Newcastle wasn't at their best, and Sunderland wasn't amazing either, he said.
But Sunderland's center-backs, Alderete and Ballard; their central midfielders, Xhaka and Sadiki; and Brobbey up front—that central group was strong. Sunderland’s key players played better than Newcastle’s.
Since the start of the season, I've said that for a team coming up from the Championship, Sunderland has spent a lot—around £160 million. So, we should expect a return.
They have players who can compete, who are physical, and who can run a lot. I didn't think their wingers, Traore or Talbi, or Le Fee played that well.
But their core players were very strong and determined. A strong core can carry the rest of the team in the Premier League.
Neville also mentioned the great atmosphere at Sunderland's stadium, saying fans were still singing loudly an hour after the game ended.
He said Sunderland deserved to win. The atmosphere was amazing before, during, and after the game.
I was stuck in the parking lot for 40 minutes because they close the roads for the away fans.
Even 40 minutes after it ended, I could still hear the Sunderland fans singing.
It was a great day and night for them, the first like that in years.
They also have a good recent record in this game. I am happy to be at my first Wear-Tyne derby. And remember, it's the Wear-Tyne derby!
HOW JAMES MADDISON’S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SIGNALS A SHOCK SEASON RETURN
James Maddison returns to individual training as Igor Tudor prepares Tottenham for a vital relegation battle with Forest.
Ahead of Tottenham’s match against Nottingham Forest, manager Igor Tudor gave an update on when James Maddison might return from injury. It’s a crucial moment for Spurs as they prepare to host Forest in what could be the defining 90 minutes of Tudor’s time at the club and quite possibly a key fixture that will shape the season for both teams.
Currently separated by just one point, Tottenham and Forest are locked in a battle against relegation. A win would push Spurs four points clear of the drop zone, while a loss might drag them into the bottom three. The stakes couldn’t be clearer.
Tudor’s side heads into this game with renewed energy, surprisingly positive given the mood just two weeks ago. The draw at Anfield broke a six-game losing streak, and their recent 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, though not enough to overturn the aggregate score, brought back a sense of belief. Young players like Xavi Simons and Archie Gray impressed, while Mathys Tel kept the opposition on their toes. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric in a way fans haven’t felt for months. While the Champions League hopes are dashed, that performance has injected valuable momentum into Spurs’ survival fight.
There’s also some hopeful news on the injury front. Dominic Solanke, who missed the Atlético leg with a hip issue, might be available. His physical presence adds a different dimension to Tottenham’s attack, which Tudor will surely be glad to have.
But the most promising update came from Tudor’s comments about Maddison. The creative midfielder, sidelined since August after rupturing his ACL in a preseason friendly, has begun some individual training, spotted alongside Palhinha. Recoveries from ACL injuries are never straightforward, and the team won’t rush him back. With only seven league games left after Sunday, there’s a narrow window for his return. Still, even the possibility of Maddison getting back on the pitch—someone who can change a game with a moment of skill or a precise pass—offers a much-needed morale boost.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on Forest.
WHY BORUSSIA DORTMUND EXPECT JADON SANCHO TO SIGN FOR FREE
Unai Emery praises Jadon Sancho despite poor stats, while Dortmund free up £21m in wages to lure him back to Germany.
Borussia Dortmund really want Jadon Sancho back, and they’re hoping to get him for free from Manchester United. Sancho’s contract runs out this summer, and honestly, no one expects United to offer him a new one.
Right now, Sancho’s on loan at Aston Villa. It’s his third spell away from Old Trafford since United signed him for £73 million in 2021. His move to Villa was just a loan with no option to buy.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has hinted he might keep Sancho, but Dortmund aren’t sitting around. The Times says Dortmund didn’t chase wingers last summer because Nico Kovac liked the 3-4-2-1 formation, but now the boss has changed his mind and wants Sancho back.
If Sancho comes back, he'll need to take a hefty pay cut from his £300,000-a-week salary. Still, Dortmund’s where he made his name after moving from Manchester City in 2017.
Dortmund have room in the budget this summer; they let the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan run out. That saves them about £21 million a year, and they’re optimistic they can lure Sancho, who’s allowed to strike pre-contract deals with foreign clubs.
Sancho actually spent half of the 2024 season back at Dortmund after Erik ten Hag froze him out at United. He helped them reach the Champions League final, but nothing permanent came of it.
Something similar happened during his loan to Chelsea last season. The club even paid a £5 million penalty just to avoid having to sign him outright. Villa picked him up right at the transfer deadline in September, but, once again, he’s struggled.
So far, Sancho’s got one goal and one assist in 29 games across all competitions. Still, Emery thinks there’s more to come.
When asked in February about signing Sancho for good, Emery said, “Not yet, but he’s a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by improving within our system, like he is doing.
“He’ll need a new contract; maybe it’s here. If he plays his best football, we’ll want him. But other teams will be interested, too.”
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