Michael Chopra’s Account of His Pivotal Goal Against Sunderland

“I’m a Geordie – these games mean a lot to me.” This statement from Michael Chopra encapsulates his sentiment regarding the chance to play as a substitute against Sunderland, an opportunity presented by former Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder. Ultimately, the striker, a native of Newcastle, netted his only Premier League goal for Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light, contributing to a notable 4-1 victory. On BBC Radio Newcastle’s Total Sport podcast, he articulated the profound significance of the moment. “Being a Geordie you dream about playing in these games, but to score in one…” He recounted, “I remember being in the changing room, we were 1-0 down at half time and Glenn Roeder came up to me and said ‘you might be going on if it stays like this – make sure you’re ready’. I was like: ‘Don’t worry, I’m ready’.” Chopra continued, “He stuck me on and Titus [Bramble] had a free-kick on the edge of the halfway line. I’d just run from the dugout straight into the box and the ball fell to me and I put it in the back of the net.” “I was straight into Newcastle after – I don’t think I had to buy a drink!” Chopra later joined Sunderland, where he scored eight goals in 42 appearances for Newcastle’s local rivals.