Sunderland made it four consecutive wins over local rivals Newcastle United on Sunday with a dramatic 1-0 victory at St James' Park in the Premier League.
Both sides fought hard during what was a frenetic match, with plenty of chances appearing at both ends of the pitch.
However, the only goal of the game came on 89 minutes when Adam Johnson fired in following a quick counter-attack from the visitors.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two teams on Tyneside.
Match statistics
NEWCASTLE
Shots:15
On target: 7
Possession: 52%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 15
SUNDERLAND
Shots: 16
On target: 3
Possession: 48%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 15
Was the result fair?
Despite an entertaining showing from both teams, Sunderland will consider themselves fortunate to come away from the home of their bitter rivals with all three points. A draw would have been the fairest outcome following a fast-paced, yet even, 90 minutes.
Newcastle's performance
The Magpies came flying out of the traps, pinning their opponents back with some lively attacking football that made their recent defeat to Arsenal a distant memory. Alan Pardew's side continued to do this for much of the first half, using the ball well to worry the visitors, though Sunderland worked their way back into it late on. The problems started to arrive for Newcastle after the break when they struggled for ideas in midfield and looked more vulnerable at the back. However, they were still creating some good chances to give themselves hope of winning the match. Despite all of this, their finishing let them down badly in the final third. The likes of Ayoze Perez, Sammy Ameobi and Yoan Gouffran could not provide the hosts with any teeth up front, and they were made to pay late on.
Sunderland's performance
The Black Cats were inferior to Newcastle during the first half in terms of possession and overall dominance, yet they created the two best chances through Connor Wickham and Steven Fletcher. Gus Poyet's men looked far more confident in the second half as a nervousness crept over St James' Park, with the likes of Johnson and Sebastian Larsson using the ball effectively in wide areas, while John O'Shea and his defensive colleagues did a good job of soaking up any pressure at the back. The visitors remained organised and disciplined in all areas, and their persistence paid dividends late on when Johnson snatched the points with a well-taken goal. Sunderland have had their problems in recent weeks, but this result and performance could be just the tonic to kickstart their campaign.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Steven Fletcher: The Scot did a fantastic job of leading the line for Sunderland as his hold-up play and good positional sense gave the visitors a genuine threat up top. He would have finished the match with a couple of goals, were it not for some misfortune and wayward finishing.
Biggest gaffe
Connor Wickham should have given Sunderland the lead midway through the first half when he arrived at the back post to meet a free kick, but the forward somehow headed wide when it looked easier to score.
Referee performance
Anthony Taylor had a very busy afternoon on Tyneside, brandishing a total of seven yellow cards during a feisty clash between the two local rivals. Most of these decisions were correct as he looked to keep a lid on things, though there were one or two naughty challenges that went unpunished. The overall flow of the game was hampered somewhat by his card-waving, but the official did a good job of not making it a controversial 90 minutes.
What next?
Newcastle: The Magpies are back in action on Boxing Day when they face Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
Sunderland: The Black Cats continue their Premier League campaign on Boxing Day at home to Hull City.
Jack Prescott
