Sunderland 3-0 Newcastle United: SIX IN A ROW

Goals from Johnson, Jones and Fletcher capped off a clinical performance from the Black Cats as they made it six wins in a row against the Magpies.

Newcastle had the first opportunity after two minutes when Colback’s free kick found Coloccini at the back post but Pantilimon was able to claw out the Argentine’s acrobatic effort.

Newcastle had another chance on 16 minutes after a neat one two between Wijnaldum and Mitrovic allowed Wijnaldum a free shot on goal but again Pantilimon saved well.

Sunderland were playing too deep and Pantilimon was forced into another save on 26 minutes from Colback. A ball over the top from Janmaat found Colback whose shot was saved at the near post.

Chances were all going to Newcastle, this time Wijnaldum had his free kick tipped over by Pantilimon after Coates had fouled the Dutchman.

But right on the stroke of half time a quick counter attack led by Defoe saw Fletcher taken out by Coloccini in the box, giving the referee little option but to award a penalty and send Coloccini off. Adam Johnson stepped up to drill the ball into the bottom right corner to give Sunderland the lead.

Newcastle had a golden chance to get level on 54 minutes when Mitrovic found himself one on one. Sunderland were unable to clear the danger allowing Mitrovic through on goal but Pantilimon made a superb save to deny him.

Newcastle were punished for missing their chance as Sunderland made it two nil on 64 minutes. A corner from Johnson was volleyed towards goal by M’Vila who found Jones and he powered the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

Sunderland nearly scored a third on 71 minutes when Adam Johnson cut inside from 25 yards out but he saw his effort cannon back off the bar.

Sunderland saved the best till last with an exquisite third goal on 86 minutes. Kaboul won the ball in defence, he fed M’Vila who returned the ball to Kaboul who floated a majestic ball to the back post for Fletcher to volley home.

Sunderland (4-3-3): Pantilimon, Yedlin, Jones, Kaboul, O’Shea (c) (Coates 37’), M’Vila, Cattermole, Toivonen (Defoe 36’), Lens (Larsson 82’), Johnson, Fletcher.

Subs: Mannone, Van Aanholt, Coates, Larsson, Gomez, Defoe, Watmore.

Goals: Johnson (45 +2) Jones (64’) Fletcher (86’)

Newcastle United (4-4-2): Elliot, Janmaat, Mbemba, Coloccini, Dummett (Thauvin 78’), Colback (Anita 49’), Tiote (Lascelles 46’), Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Perez, Mitrovic.

Subs: Woodman, Haidara, Lascelles, Anita, Thauvin, De Jong, Cisse.

Goals: None

Sent Off: Coloccini (45+2)