Sunderland fans won’t like Don Hutchinson after honest Lewis Hall admission
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Credit: Imago Tue 24 March 2026 6:30, UK Sunderland fans will not appreciate Don Hutchinson’s praise of Newcastle United star Lewis Hall, as he labelled him England’s “best left-back”.The Black Cats faithful enjoyed a spectacular weekend as they won the Tyne-Wear derby 2-1 at St James’ Park.This ensured they completed the double over their rivals, while also overtaking them in the Premier League table.Yet, in the build-up to the tie, former Sunderland star Hutchinson was quick to deliver praise to Newcastle’s players.Hall, in particular, was highlighted in a slightly baffling take before Sunderland’s famous victory. ⚽ Newcastle Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Newcastle United fixture. VISIT THE NEWCASTLE MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Don Hutchinson: Lewis Hall is England’s best left-backDespite all of the stars Newcastle have on their roster, Sunderland once again showed them up.The Black Cats completely outplayed the hosts in the second half and fully deserved the three points.Match stats NewcastleSunderlandPossession 59.1%40.1%Shots1617Shots on target47xG1.272.45Corners95Touches in opposition box2230Sunderland battered Newcastle stats-wiseEvery fan knows how important it is to win the derby, and seeing Newcastle have so much success in recent years, this win is unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon.Therefore, given the hatred, Sunderland fans will not be pleased about Hutchinson’s admission of Hall.Before the match, he told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I genuinely think he’s the best left back England have got.
“I think he’s well clear of everyone. I think he’s had an excellent season.”No former Sunderland player should ever think about praising a Newcastle player, especially on derby day.Therefore, the Stadium of Light faithful will likely be furious, and these comments should have just been kept to himself.How good was Lewis Hall against Sunderland?While ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider that Hall wants to stay at Newcastle amid exit rumours, his performance against Sunderland may have helped to put off potential suitors.According to Fotmob on 23 March, the defender was well off the pace.While he did create three chances and even had a shot on goal, he struggled in many other areas.Lewis Hall’s stats vs SunderlandMinutes 90Chances created3Shots1Dribbles completed20%Ground duels won33%Tackles0Interceptions0Hall struggled against SunderlandOverall, he completed just one of five dribbles attempted, only won 33 per cent of his ground duels and failed to make a single tackle or interception.Chris Rigg had plenty of joy down the right side, and Hall struggled to stop the youngster as he dominated proceedings at St James’ Park.Therefore, while the defender might have plenty of promise, he still has a long way to go until he becomes a top player in the Premier League.
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