When did Sunderland last finish above Newcastle in the Premier League?

Sunderland have enjoyed a remarkable return to the Premier League and victory over Chelsea in Gameweek 38 would see them finish above Newcastle.

The 2024/25 term saw newly promoted trio Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton drop straight back down to the second tier, and so few expected Sunderland, Leeds United and Burnley to put up much of a fight at the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

While Burnley's relegation to the Championship is confirmed, Leeds have secured survival and Sunderland could yet qualify for Europe on the final day.

An already impressive season was bettered when completing the double over Newcastle with a 2-1 win at St James' Park, with Dutch frontman Brian Brobbey finding the net in the 89th minute to silence the home crowd.

It was a result for the Magpies that summed up what has been a dismal 2025/26 term, and they look destined to finish in the bottom half of the Premier League standings for the first time since the 2021/22 season.

But when did Sunderland last finish above Newcastle in the Premier League?

When did Sunderland last finish above Newcastle in the Premier League?

Sunderland last finished above Newcastle in the Premier League in the 2015/16 term.

Only two points separated the sides that campaign, with the Black Cats finishing 17th on 39 points and the Magpies 18th on 37 points.

Prior to the 2025/26 campaign, the 2015/16 season was the last time that the two teams played in the same division. Sunderland picked up four points from a possible six against their rivals that term, defeating Newcastle 3-0 at the Stadium of Light and drawing 1-1 at St James' Park.