Danny Welbeck is no longer on Sunderland’s books, but one post-game comment proved he still holds them in his heart.
Welbeck was the hero for Brighton as his strike in the second half of extra-time helped the Seagulls to a thrilling 2-1 win away to Newcastle in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The 34-year-old latched onto a perfectly-threaded pass from Solly March and lofted the ball over an on-rushing Martin Dubravka to score the winner.
After scoring the goal, Welbeck raced over to the advertising hoardings and stood on the edge with his arms outstretched in front of devastated Newcastle supporters.
It was a strikingly similar celebration to what former Sunderland striker Fabio Borini did when he scored for the Black Cats against their bitter rivals at St. James’ Park in 2014.
But it was what Welbeck had to say after the match that generated the most buzz on social media.
Brighton shared a behind-the-scenes clip of the players walking off the pitch and through the tunnel as they expressed their joy at beating the Magpies.
When it came time for Welbeck to pass through, he said: “Somebody gave me stick there. Doesn’t know I’m a Mackem at heart.”
The term Mackem is a nickname for people from Sunderland and what people often refer to Sunderland supporters as.
Safe to say, Black Cats supporters took great delight in Welbeck’s post-match comment.
One supporter wrote on X: “Welbs is a Mackem.”
Another said: “Danny Welbeck, Mackem at heart.”
An additional fan posted: “A Mackem at heart indeed Danny.”
Another added: “God I love Danny Welbeck! They say never fall for a loan player, but I did with him. Glad he’s still a Mackem at heart!”
Welbeck spent the 2010/11 season on loan at the Stadium of Light from Manchester United and scored six goals from 28 appearances across all competitions.
But given the reaction on social media, it seems his goal for the Seagulls against Newcastle endeared him to Sunderland supporters even more.
Welbeck’s goal sealed a memorable win for Brighton as they came from behind to beat the Magpies.
Alexander Isak had put the hosts in front from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute after former Newcastle player Yankuba Minteh brought down Tino Livramento inside the box.
But Minteh turned from zero to hero for the visitors when he netted just shy of half-time.
The contest exploded to life in the final ten minutes when Newcastle star Anthony Gordon was shown a straight red card for striking Jan Paul van Hecke.
Brighton were also reduced to ten men in the first minute of stoppage time when Tariq Lamptey received a second yellow after a late challenge on Jacob Murphy.
Newcastle thought they’d scored the winner from the resulting free-kick when Fabian Schar volleyed home, but the Swiss defender mistimed his run and was found to be off-side.
Instead, it was Welbeck who had the final say as he booked Brighton a spot in the quarter final of the FA Cup for the second time in the last three seasons.
