I resolved that in writing such columns there would always be a positive, that I could locate a silver lining even amidst the darkest of clouds. And yes, that has been difficult in light of what we witnessed last Saturday but eureka, it comes below.
It isn't always easy to know. Is the pain more endurable when a close and agonizing late defeat comes accompanied by a good performance. Or, as in this case, a disparity in quality that was almost evident from when the opening whistle competed with the indecipherable cacophony from the two tribes.
Perhaps the former, if only because presently the masses are still experiencing the latter.
As for the game itself, the outcome seemed determined long before Dan Ballard, in attempting to clear, redirected the centre from Joelinton to give Newcastle the lead.
In light of the events preceding the game it seemed somewhat fitting.
In fact, the only thing more apt would have been Patrick Roberts being the unfortunate party which would have allowed for a 'PR own goal’ headline.
It would not have been Sunderland's first in the last week.
Alexander Isak, with goals book-ending the second half proceedings, would ensure a scoreline which reflected the direction of traffic and the gulf between the sides.
Somewhat ironic that in a week where Sunderland, as a club, were guilty of laying on too much of a welcome, the players didn't lay enough of a glove on their opponents. That, naturally, assuming you felt that they even put on the proverbial gloves to begin with.
Newcastle, back to a starting eleven that would more resemble what Eddie Howe would be content with, were precise in passing, patient, controlling, composed and rendered impotent the Sunderland attacking threat, notably from Jack Clarke.
There were, predictably, some fleeting moments to encourage but when the away support are letting the 'Ole's' go before the hour had struck then it perhaps illustrates how events were unfolding.
Furthermore, it is certainly less difficult to find urgency when the situation indisputably necessitates it.
Even then, in those moments midway through the second half you couldn't help but feel the away side were relaxed in the knowledge that come the last whistle, it was they who would be looking forward to Monday evening and the draw for the fourth round.
The pain of a derby defeat does tend to linger that bit more. It is compounded by angst of returning to the workplace and making that initial eye contact with those of a different persuasion.
In the areas where the distribution of allegiance is more evenly spilt, or even family ties do not mean shared support for any one club, then you don't have to wait until employment beckons before the ribbing commences. We laugh along, we attempt to laugh at our own expense but all the while we feel it cutting internally.
For fans, however, the profundity of such disappointment should diminish in the short term. There is much to play for and we should be mindful that the objective in August was not to play Newcastle once this season but to try to ensure we play them twice next season.
That prospect can still be realised.
For Michael Beale, himself still in a probationary period regarding the trust of the broad Sunderland support, the despondency of defeat would be added to by the insipid nature of the performance. There may, however, be some solace to be found in the capers that dominated headlines in the 24 hours before proceedings.
Silver Lining.
If ever there is a time for a faux pas of such standing, and one where responsibility has been accepted by a club’s primary benefactor, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, then it is at the beginning of a transfer window.
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Where Sunderland should look to strengthen in the January transfer market
Regardless of personal wealth, family inheritance and ownership of a prestigious football club there will have been moments in recent days where his private thoughts have been interrupted, or interrogated, by questions of just how he can put things right.
The answer to that may lie in placating the upset of support by going the extra mile, breaking with any de facto policy of youth and furnishing the manager with the necessary funds to acquire a striker of experience and proven prowess.
If it leads to the rise of the club then it may go some way to the redemption of the custodian.
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