Newcastle United vs. Sunderland: Score, Grades, Reaction from Tyne-Wear Derby

Adam Johnson proved to be the derby hero for Sunderland once again, as he fired home a late goal to give the Black Cats a 1-0 win at Newcastle.

Johnson popped up with a 90th-minute strike to bag a goal at St James' Park for the third season in a row to claim derby spoils for Gus Poyet's men.

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Alan Pardew's record in the Tyne-Wear Derby: P8 - W1 - D3 - L4 Goals scored: 4 Goals conceded: 12 pic.twitter.com/omardCGUFq

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 21, 2014"

The combative Lee Cattermole took precisely 13 seconds to make his mark, with the Sunderland man fortunate to avoid a caution for clattering into Daryl Janmaat.

If Cattermole’s intervention was supposed to act as a spur for his side, it did not have the desired impact as Newcastle settled far quicker.

The Magpies have been notoriously slow starters this term—they have failed to score in the opening 30 minutes in any game in the league this term—but they were extremely sharp from the off against their North East rivals.

Ayoze Perez showed excellent skills to get away from his marker on the left flank, but his cross lacked quality and was easy for Costel Pantilimon.

Sunderland keeper Pantilimon was twice called into action in the opening 15 minutes. He easily gathered a header from Paul Dummett and was in the right place to field a shot from Moussa Sissoko.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Sissoko beat the floor in frustration after shooting straight at Pantilimon, as he had worked the space superbly after a clever one-two with Sammy Ameobi.

For all of Newcastle’s bright play, it was Sunderland who carved out the two best chances of the opening 30 minutes.

Connor Wickham really should have opened the scoring on 22 minutes. Newcastle’s inexperienced keeper Jak Alnwick got caught under the flight of a cross, and Wickham met the ball three yards out but somehow headed wide.

Shortly afterward, Steven Fletcher got in behind the Newcastle defence and made excellent contact with a volley. The effort beat Alnwick, but it crashed against the crossbar.

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That was a terrible miss from Wickham unlucky from Fletcher #nufc started really well but #safc should have the lead

— Luke Edwards (@LukeEdwardsTele) December 21, 2014"

Perez has shown flashes of real quality this term, and he crafted Newcastle’s best chance of the opening half on 35 minutes.

The Spaniard cut inside Sebastian Coates on the edge of the box and went for the far corner with a curling effort. The shot beat the dive of Pantilimon but flashed a foot wide of the target.

Steven Taylor put his body on the line shortly into the second half to keep Newcastle on level terms. Alnwick was once again caught underneath a cross. Fletcher looked set to head his side ahead, but Taylor threw himself at the ball to make the clearance—and his momentum took him into the post.

Taylor needed lengthy treatment for a cut under his eye and had to go off the field to enable the medical team to patch him up.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

While they had a one-man advantage, Sunderland should have taken the lead. Jordi Gomez broke forward at pace and the Black Cats moved the ball cleverly to open up Newcastle.

The ball was returned to Gomez 12 yards out, but he inexplicably sliced his shot wide with the goal gaping.

On 62 minutes, Sunderland fans were grateful that Pantilimon stands at 6'8", as the keeper needed all of his wingspan to dive full stretch and tip over a drive from Perez that was heading for the top corner.

Magpies boss Alan Pardew threw on Adam Armstrong with 30 minutes remaining, and the youngster was a lively addition to the play.

Armstrong passed up a massive chance with 18 minutes remaining when taking the wrong option in front of goal.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Sissoko produced a great turn and pass to set Armstrong away. The angle was tight for the forward, but he still elected to shoot rather than play a return pass to Sissoko who was unmarked in the middle.

Pantilimon made the save at his near post, as Sissoko turned away in frustration.

Chances were traded in the final 15 minutes, and Johnson capitalized on his. 

It was a cool, cool finish, as he collected a ball 10 yards out and took one touch before smashing a shot beyond Alnwick.

The finish was excellent, and it was also the culmination of a move Johnson started when picking up possession and shrugging off a couple of challenges deep in his own half.

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4 - Adam Johnson has had a hand in four goals in his last four PL apps versus Newcastle United (three goals, one assist). Influence.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 21, 2014"

The goal came moments after Pantilimon had made a superb save to deny Newcastle.

The loss leaves Newcastle nine points adrift of the top four, while Sunderland now have breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone.

Both managers will assess their players on Monday with the busy festive period upon them.

Newcastle travel to Manchester United on Boxing Day, but they will be shorn of the services of Cheick Tiote on account of suspension. Given that Newcastle are likely to be under pressure for long spells at Old Trafford, the absence of Tiote will be keenly felt.

Notable Player Grades

Cheick Tiote: C

Newcastle’s defensive shield picked up an early caution, and it seemed to impact his performance, as his decision-making was not great and he often misplaced passes.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Daryl Janmaat: B

Newcastle picked up the Dutchman in the summer, and he has proved to be an excellent signing. He's extremely solid at the back and is never afraid to gallop forward when the team are in possession.

Sebastian Coates: B

He was only pressed into action due to an injury to Anthony Reveillere in the warm-up. He committed an early foul but soon picked up the pace of play and made a couple of timely blocks.

Connor Wickham: C-

The big forward had chances to be the derby hero, but on a couple of occasions he fluffed his lines.

Reaction

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Johnson said:

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Three years in a row, they must hate me here.

I am delighted. Three wins here, three clean sheets, we can’t ask for any more.

I should have scored earlier on to be honest, so If I’d missed that one I would have been gutted tonight.

It is a massive win for us, it gives us a huge boost.

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