‘Bring them on’ – Sunderland star issues six-word Newcastle United challenge after FA Cup win

Newcastle and Sunderland Advance in FA Cup to Set Up Potential Derby Clash

Newcastle United and Sunderland have both secured their places in the FA Cup fifth round, keeping alive the possibility of a much-anticipated Tyne-Wear derby next month.

The Magpies produced an impressive upset at Villa Park on Saturday, overcoming both Aston Villa and a series of contentious refereeing decisions to win 3-2. Sandro Tonali, benefitting from a heavy deflection on his first goal, scored twice, with Nick Woltemade also on target for Eddie Howe’s side. The victory, against a top-flight opponent, books Newcastle’s place in the last-16 for the third consecutive year.

Sunderland joined their rivals in the draw thanks to a solitary goal from the penalty spot. Habib Diarra converted the decisive kick at the Kassam Stadium to see off Championship opposition Oxford United.

The fifth-round draw takes place on Sunday evening, with both clubs hoping for a favourable home tie and to avoid another Premier League opponent. However, the prospect of a Tyne-Wear derby is a tantalising possibility.

Such a meeting would carry extra weight, as the two sides are already scheduled to meet in the league at St James’ Park on March 22nd. A cup tie would bring that fixture forward by a fortnight, offering Newcastle an immediate chance to avenge their 2-1 defeat at the Stadium of Light in December.

Following Sunderland’s win, captain Luke O’Nien was asked by TNT Sports if he fancied facing Newcastle in the next round. His response was defiant: “We’ll take anyone. Bring them on.”

The two clubs have met only once since 2016, a famous FA Cup tie in 2024 which Newcastle won 3-0 on Wearside thanks to a Dan Ballard own goal and two from Alexander Isak.

Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was left to reflect on a difficult afternoon with the officials. Despite replays on the bench showing several questionable calls, his side had to navigate the game without the safety net of VAR.

“That was certainly a tough first half for us,” Howe said after the match. “We felt really aggrieved in that first period that every decision seemed like it was going against us… I thought there was a lot of errors today.”

He added: “Once the decision is made… there’s nothing you can do. You’ve got to move on quite quickly.”