Defoe stunner beats Newcastle

Jermain Defoe’s moment of first-half brilliance in the Wear-Tyne derby sent Sunderland to a fifth straight win over Newcastle and three points clear of the relegation zone, Sky Sports reports.

Sunderland dominated Newcastle from the first whistle but it took until the 45th minute for the deadlock to be broken and it was sure worth the wait as Defoe fired a superb left-foot volley into the top corner.

Dick Advocaat’s men continued to pile on the pressure during the second half but could not find a second goal and they were nearly made to pay as Remy Cabella forced Costel Pantilimon into action for the first time in the match.

With all three sides below them picking up points this weekend it was vital Sunderland responded in Advocaat’s first home game in charge and they were the dominant force in the opening stages of the 140th league meeting between the two sides.

However, it was Newcastle with the first real attack and they thought they should have had a penalty after Santiago Vergini’s challenge on Perez.

Referee Mike Dean remained unmoved and it was Sunderland who took control of the game from here on in with the visitors needing the returning Jonas Gutierrez to turn Billy Jones’ cross over his own bar after Seb Larsson’s corner.

Newcastle were struggling to get out of their own half as Sunderland pressed forward at every opportunity and they nearly had the lead, but a combination of the post and Jack Colback kept Connor Wickham’s header out.

Defoe then raced through on goal in the 37th minute but his touch let him down at the vital moment and Tim Krul kept out Wickham’s shot minutes later. But with the half-time break looming, Defoe produced a piece of brilliance to break the deadlock.