Twitter Reacts as Sunderland Beat Everton to Relegate Newcastle and Norwich

Sunderland's 37th game of the Premier League season was a fateful one—not just for themselves but for the survival of cross-town rivals Newcastle and East Anglian strugglers Norwich.

With a win against an underwhelming Everton side on Wednesday evening, the Black Cats could ensure their own survival and condemn the Magpies and Canaries to the Championship.

Before kick-off, most folks on Twitter believed Sam Allardyce's side would escape the drop once again:

As the game kicked off, it was a very nervous affair in the north-east:

In the 38th minute, Newcastle and Norwich fans received some inevitable bad news as the Black Cats took the lead through a Patrick van Aanholt free-kick:

Sunderland's prospects improved even further a few minutes later, when Lamine Kone smashed the ball into the back of the net:

"

Anything on tv?

— Geordie Rafa (@geordierafa) May 11, 2016"

"

Big Sam trying to decide which players to nab off Norwich and Newcastle for next season.. pic.twitter.com/VmURoFp0X0

— Ellis | AwayDays (@AwayDaysYT) May 11, 2016"

"

When you go from the Champions League to the Championship in the same season... pic.twitter.com/VMNFWGrQWj

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) May 11, 2016"

Sunderland went in at half-time 2-0 up, with many feeling angry at Everton's feckless display:

Newcastle legend Faustino Asprilla was not happy with the situation:

As the second half kicked off, "Big Sam" was trending:

"

Big Sam killing off two mangers he has no love for with this win. Rafa and Roberto

— keith costigan (@KeithCostigan) May 11, 2016"

"

AS THINGS STAND SUNDERLAND ARE STAYING UP!

Big Sam right now.. pic.twitter.com/Xtuf2MVzyq

— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) May 11, 2016"

The Black Cats all but confirmed their fate—and that of Newcastle and Norwich—when Kone found the net once again:

Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles was trending thanks to his questionable performance:

It finished 3-0 to Sunderland, leaving fans delighted at the Stadium of (de)Light. However, it was a night to forget for Newcastle and Norwich:

"

Rafa Benitez reacting to the news that Newcastle have been relegated.. pic.twitter.com/StGA8e6quW

— Football Funnys (@FootballFunnys) May 11, 2016"

[Twitter]