- Newcastle defeated Sunderland to reach the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday
- Magpies hit a cheeky message to their rivals in their match report for the game
- IAN LADYMAN: Premier League clubs are so wrapped up in their own self-interest. They want what suits them and that’s not FA Cup replays – It’s All Kicking Off
Newcastle have directed a hidden message towards Sunderland after defeating their Tyne-Wear rivals on Saturday.
In the first meeting between the two sides since 2016, Eddie Howe’s side immediately demonstrated the gulf in quality, and were rewarded with an opener after Sunderland defender Daniel Ballard put the ball in his own net.
Immediately after the interval the visitors strengthened their grip on the fiery affair, with Alexander Isak doubling their lead before putting the result beyond doubt and adding a second goal to his tally with a penalty in the closing stages.
Following the full-time whistle, the jubilant Magpies rubbed salt in the wounds of Michael Beale’s side by taking to the pitch to take a celebratory photo in front of their travelling supporters.
But that wasn’t the only post-game incident that is likely to get a rise out their fierce rivals.
Newcastle United hid a cheeky message to Sunderland in their official match report
Magpies were triumphant in first Tyne-Wear derby since 2016, comfortably securing victory
Your browser does not support iframes.
Closer inspection of a seemingly innocuous match report covering the game on the club’s website reveals a string of messages when the first letter of each paragraph is added together.
The letters added together reads: SMB, UTM and HTWL, initialisms for the popular Geordie phrases ‘Sad Mackem B*******, Up The Mags and Howay the Lads.’
After being knocked out of the Champions League and EFL Cup, the FA Cup remains an opportunity for the Magpies to secure their first major domestic silverware in 69 years.
Speaking following Saturday’s victory, Sean Longstaff reflected on the disappointment of losing last year’s EFL Cup final and insisted that his team have the quality required to go all the way in the competition.
After the game Sean Longstaff revealed he believes Newcastle have the quality to win the competition
‘We knew going out of the Carabao Cup was really disappointing and if we want to make it a memorable season, it’s a chance to win a trophy and we’ve got to believe that we can do that. I think we’ve got the squad to do it.’ Longstaff told NUFC TV.
‘It’s about getting through the first game, so now we’re through and no matter who we get, whether we’re at home or away, we’re going to give it all we’ve got.
‘If we can get another trip to Wembley and hopefully put a positive end on it, it would be amazing, but there’s a long way to go before that, so we’re not getting ahead of ourselves.’
Source: Daily Mail