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Sunderland fans were able to celebrate a double success on Wednesday night after confirming their status as a Premier League side for another year, relegating arch-rivals Newcastle in the process.
Fans were jubilant inside the Stadium of Light as two goals from Lamine Kone and an opener from Patrick van Aanholt secured a valuable 3-0 victory for the Black Cats, meaning neither Newcastle nor Norwich can catch them on the final day of the Premier League this Sunday.
Both Sunderland and Newcastle changed their manager’s midway through the season, with Sam Allardyce replacing Dick Advocaat in October at Sunderland while Newcastle waited until March before bringing in Rafa Benitez to take over from Steve McClaren.
The early decision from Sunderland appears to have been the deciding factor in saving Sunderland, with Benitez not having enough time to build his own squad or get the best out of the side he has at his disposal.
Rafa Benitez's 2015/16 season - in pictures
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Needless to say, Sunderland fans have rejoiced in seeing their rivals drop down to the Championship for the second time in seven years, and the Magpies have been mercilessly mocked on social media after their relegation.
Newcastle fans now face the prospect of facing sides like Burton Albion, Rotherham and Huddersfield next season, and their relegation is made all the worse given that north-east rivals Middlesbrough have already secured promotion to the Premier League.
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