The full-back was a key player for Sunderland in the Wear-Tyne Derby win over Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light
Nordi Mukiele with Newcastle United’s Dan Burn lying injured(Image: Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele has celebrated victory in the Wear-Tyne Derby against Newcastle with an ‘in the pocket’ message on social media.
The Black Cats extended their unbeaten Premier League record against their nearest rivals to 10 games thanks to a 1-0 victory.
Nick Woltemade’s own goal in the opening stages of the second half proved to be the difference between the two sides. The win lifts Sunderland above Newcastle in the Premier League table and up to seventh position.
The full-time whistle at the Stadium of Light prompted celebrations both in the stands and on the pitch. The Sunderland squad got their own back on Newcastle by posing for their own squad photo in front of the fans, replicating one taken by Newcastle after their FA Cup victory almost two years ago.
Mukiele has shared that picture on his X (formerly Twitter) account, along with another picture of him celebrating. He also wrote: “HA’WAY THE LADS (red and white heart emojis) DERBY IN THE POCKET”
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It was Mukiele who was involved in the first half incident that saw Newcastle defender Dan Burn forced off the pitch through injury. The full-back was shown a yellow card for the challenge.
After the game, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe revealed that the problem had sent Burn to hospital, with the England international having difficulty breathing.
“He was struggling to breathe at half-time. It was a big problem,” he said.
“Dan Burn has gone to the hospital for a check of his ribs, so hopefully he will be OK.”
It wasn’t just that incident where Mukiele had a big say in the game. It was the marauding full-back who put the ball into the box for Woltemade’s own goal.
He also played the pantomime villain for Sunderland throughout the game. His antics included him gesturing to Newcastle’s Lewis Hall to get up after a strong challenge.
He was also spotted laughing in the face of Joe Willock after winning a throw off of his opponents. Mukiele was one of the players also involved in the melee in added time, with the defender laughing at an irate Bruno Guimaraes as the Newcastle player pushed him.