A game that will not be soon forgotten by any football fan, let alone one of Newcastle United, was the night they convincingly beat UCL titans PSG at a roaring St James Park.
The return of European football to the streets of Newcastle meant that 50,000 fans draped in the infamous black and white were marching to watch Eddie Howe’s team claim all 3 points. The effect of this support was no more apparent than in 3 local lads Sean Longstaff, Dan Burn, and Eliot Anderson, who put in memorable performances to stun the French giants. The impact of playing at home was evident for all, as PSG were daunted by playing under the bright lights of St James and by the passionate fans who did not stop singing all game.
However, after an incredible start to this season, Sunderland fans may argue the opposite, as Le Bris’s counter-attacking style means that the team have made an incredible start in the Premier League.
In particular, they have the 5th best away record in the league amassing a total of 7 out of 15 available points when they play away from home. There may be many reasons for why the Black Cats are so good away from The Stadium of Light. To name one, Sunderland already came into the season with low expectations, being the favourites for relegation, and this might be even more true when playing away from home where teams expect to dominate them. This newly promoted team may prefer playing with a lack of expectations and low pressure allowing the players to shine their brightest.
So, it seems that there is no definitive answer as to whether it is better to play home or away in the beautiful game, and there will always be a quarrel between the Geordies and the Mackems as to whose opinion is right…