5 things we learnt: Tyne-Wear derby
151025, Fotboll, Premier League Football - Sunderland v Newcastle United - Barclays Premier League - Stadium of Light - 25/10/15 Sunderland's Adam Johnson celebrates scoring the first goal for his side from the penalty spot Action Images via Reuters / Lee Smith Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details. © Bildbyrn - COP 7 - SWEDEN ONLY
Sunderland made it six in a row as they beat Newcastle 3-0 at the Stadium of Light today.
Goals from Adam Johnson, Billy Jones and Steven Flecther ensured they took 3 points from the game. I will be taking you through 5 things we learnt during the game.
1- Sunderland Rode Their Luck
It’s quite simple. Sunderland were not the better side in the game.
Newcastle kept the ball well and created chances in the first half, however never took any of them.
You could argue Wijnaldum was took down by Cattermole just before the break, on the counter Steven Flecther won a penalty and got Coloccini sent off.
Sunderland will need more of this look in order to stay up.
2- Madley got it right
Despite the complaints from Newcastle United fans, referee Robert Madley got it right with the Coloccini penalty decision and the red card.
Fletcher was running through on goal when Coloccini lead with his shoulder aggressively into him. He was the last man and saw red.
3- Newcastle will be fine
Steve McClaren shouldn’t be worrying too much about today’s perfomance, the Magpies played well in the first-half.
Players such as Wijnaldum, Sissoko, Mitrovic and Perez have enough quality to drag them out of the relegation area.
If they can work on their finishing they will be fine.
4- Sunderland can actually finish!
3 shots on target, 3 goals. It just shows how good they where going forward today.
Defensively solid, when they got a chance they took it.
Take note Newcastle! Flecther’s finish was especially good. If they can continue that they will undoubtedly stay up.
5- Both sides must buy smart in January
Depsite both sides playing well in their own way, both managers will know of the importance in adding to their sides when the window re-opens.
Sunderland looked flat when on the ball, and failed to keep it. They could do with a player who can retain possession and a decent centre back.
Newcastle need a centre back desperately, Coloccini simply isn’t good enough.