Own goal decides derby as North East rivalry renewed

In victory, there was one last act of revenge for Sunderland players to perform against the North East rivals they love to torment in the Premier League.

- SIMON BIRD

They twisted the knife with a fist-shaking, celebratory squad photo in front of their jubilant fans - a mocking hit back that was two years in the making.

Last time they met, Sunderland were rebuilding, and were hammered 3-0 on their own turf. Eddie Howe moved his usual dressing room victory picture - a tradition from his Bournemouth days - onto the public forum of enemy grass.

It was provocative, and designed to hurt the Wearside locals. But Wear-Tyne derby memories are long and revenge was served up after a red-hot finale full of skirmishes.

Only a Nick Woltemade own goal separated the tussling clubs. While there is excitement and wonder at the way Sunderland's return to the top flight is unfolding, Howe's campaign is on a knife edge, risking a negative swing in momentum and mood.

This was one of the worst derby performances from Newcastle.

Sunderland have now won seven of the last eight Premier League games against Newcastle, who have not won in 10 attempts dating back to 2011. That represents a problem for the Geordies as they struggle to get out of the bottom half with just one away win in eight games.

No such league worries for the Mackems who soar high and have an outside chance of finishing in the top seven if they maintain their unbeaten home record.

This is a precarious moment for Howe and Newcastle's season. They are jaded by European action, yet their Champions League campaign has brought three wins in six games and a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages for the first time ever.

Their Carabao Cup defence is going well – a win against Fulham in midweek would claim another semi-final.

But their Premier League campaign is faltering, made rotten by dreadful away form. They've won only once, at Everton, and gained only six points on their travels.