This match was in many peoples calendars when the fixtures were released and Hughton dressed smartly for the occasion. Both sides had fielded their strongest eleven in order to get off to a good start. In their previous 3 home games, Newcastle had only drawn once and lost twice so it was not a surprise when Sunderland started strongly.
Tiote, the Ivorian international, gave possession away in the middle of the park and Welbeck collected the ball and sprinted down the middle. Perhaps he should of passed to Darren Bent who was unmarked to the left of him, however the Newcastle defence finally tracked back and forced the Manchester United loanee to shoot well wide.
Both sides had visible passion to win the match and tackles came flying in which resulted in numerous cards. Even though the teams had many chances in the early stages of the game, it did not lead to anything.
Carroll showed his speed by sprinting through 2 Sunderland players but his last touch went too far forward and was cleared.
A deflected Barton’s cross landed at Nolan’s feet, just inside the area, but he scuffed the volley and Sunderland managed to clear.
Minutes later Carroll headed a Barton corner towards goal and forced a one handed save from Mignolet, Coloccini dived to head the rebound, but the ball went wide of the post.
Chances kept coming for Newcastle and this time Barton turned from provider and let fly a magnificent shot but forced the Belgian keeper to make a low save.
Finally Newcastle managed to convert a chance again from Barton’s corner; Ameobi headed the corner towards goal and Nolan with his back to goal performs an over-head kick to send the ball into the roof of the net.
Even though Sunderland were slightly better in the first 15 minutes, Newcastle were really starting to put pressure on and a nice one-two from Nolan and Gutierrez lead to a deflection to Carroll who volleyed the ball to the unmarked Newcastle captain who chested the ball and put it past Mignolet to double Newcastle’s lead.
In the last minute of stoppage time in the first half, Gutierrez dribbles his way into the area from the left wing and Onuoha clipped his heels which resulted in a penalty. Ameobi stepped up and sent the ball into the inside of the side netting just out of the keeper’s reach.
Sunderland had 70% possession in the first five minutes of the second half and it looked like they might get back into the game. However, Gutierrez drives up the right wing, and plays in Carroll who would have been through on goal, when Bramble trips him just outside the area. As Bramble is the last man he is sent off, and Sunderlands hopes of getting back into the game become harder with only 10 men.
A slight surge from Sunderland results in a corner for the Black Cats and Phillip Bardsley sends a half volley into the right hand corner only for Krul to push it round the post.
Moments later, Simpson receives the ball out wide and runs down the right wing before putting a beautiful cross into the box for Andy Carroll to head into the cross bar. Ameobi then reacts quickly to put the ball into the back of the net.
Nolan could of had his hat-trick earlier in the game but Carroll was brought down whilst on the break before he had a chance to pass to Nolan.
However he did not have to wait long as another Barton corner is curled to the back post for Ameobi to head across goal for the unmarked captain to head into the net.
Just afterwards, Bent tried his luck outside the area and luckily the block came back to him and he decides to play in Gyan, who twists and turns past the two centre backs and releases a venomous shot for Krul to palm down.
Dead on 90 minutes, a poorly defended corner allows Darren Bent enough space for him to poke a consolation goal into the net.
In the last few minutes Newcastle continue to pass the ball around well and prevent Sunderland from making anymore attacks.
The referee blows the final whistle and Newcastle claim the bragging rights, the Toon fans praise the players’ performance, the Newcastle players savour the spectacular win, and Chris Hughton surely will receive a new contract for such a momentous win.
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