Jermain Defoe had fired the Black Cats in front in the first half, but Rafa Benitez's side secured a draw in his first home game in charge
Aleksandar Mitrovic rescued a point for Newcastle in the desperation derby.
The Serb headed home in the 83rd minute to claim and scarcely deserved leveller.
Jermain Defoe grabbed the opener in the 43rd minute after a scrappy first half.
A clever short corner teed up Fabio Borini on the edge of the box.
His shot was saved by Rob Elliot, headed away weakly by Chancel Mbemba and lashed home by Defoe.
1. Defoe the hero again?
The Sunderland striker was the hero at the Stadium of Light last season with a wondergoal.
This time he lashed in after 43 minutes to give the Mackems the lead and continued his rich form away from home.
Defoe has netted eight goals in his last nine away game. Every club who avoids relegation need a talisman.
Defoe can be Sunderland's.
2. But Aleksandar Mitrovic to the rescue
The big Serb had done nothing all game, until he came up with the crucial equaliser after 83 minutes.
He was heading for a 1/10 in my match ratings, because he never looked like scoring.
But the targetman was unstoppable at the back post when Gini Wijnaldum dinked in a deep cross from the right wing.
3. Managerial changes before the Tyne Wear derby usually work for Sunderland, didn't do the trick for Newcastle
It is a strange quirk that Sam Allardyce was the fourth Sunderland boss to win a derby two games into his reign.
It is double quirky that Newcastle sacked Steve McClaren two games before this game, allowing Rafa Benitez a warm up defeat against Leicester, before looking to continue the tradition.
Such is the lack of confidence in his side, that this game never looked like being a home win until a late rally with five minutes to go.
Benitez will be happy to get away with a draw.
4. Continued dominance of the North East derby by Sunderland
Seven minutes from seven in a row! Sunderland's remarkable streak is over.
But they have now gone nine games without defeat to Newcastle.
Jan Kirchhoff and Jack Rodwell had excellent games bossing the midfield. The defence was solid, Wabhi Khazri was a pest and Defoe lively up front.
They were the better team.
5. Are Newcastle going down?
I'd made that conclusion after their defeat to Leicester. This performance only confirms the likelihood.
They have only won twice in the last 14 games. They need to win four of their last eight. It doesn't add up to survival.
Newcastle, on this form, are finished, unless they get up a head of steam like they did in a frantic last seven minutes..
6. Could they both be in the Championship next season?
Possibly. This game was badly lacking quality at times. For long drifting periods the two sides kick the ball back and forth to each other with little idea of how to build an attack.
That sort of messy game suited the visitors, who improved as the game progressed.
Both clubs remain in deep trouble, and under severe threat from relegation.
Both sides remain in the drop zone.
Player ratings
Newcastle
Elliot 7
Couple of good saves but beaten by Defoe
Janmaat 5
Has restricted his attacking runs lately. Injured
Mbemba 5
Booked Off the pace after six weeks out
Lascelles 5
Inexperience at this level and still settling
Colback 4
Booked Picked up a suspension for the next two games
Shelvey 5
Booked Terrible tackle on Kirchhoff
Wijnaldum 7
Part of a Newcastle midfield outdone by Sunderland
Sissoko 5
Looked lost on the left. Ended up left back!
Townsend 4
First start after injury and added pressure relieving runs
Perez 5
In No10 role and had a rare element of composure
Mitrovic 7
Towering back post header after a really poor game
Subs:
De Jong (Colback 61)
Anita (Janmaat 71)
Cisse (Townsend 76)
Not used: Cisse, Saivet, Darlow, Taylor, Riviere.
Sunderland
Mannone 7
Hardly troubled by Newcastle's goal shy attack
Yedlin 7
In thick of action, some good breaks forward
Kaboul 7
Preferred to John O'Shea but deserved his spot
Kone 7
Man mountain shackled Mitrovic
Van Aanholt 7
Did his job protecting the left wing
Kirchhoff 8
Strolled around in front of the back four. Excellent.
Khazri 7
At heart of attacks, with some dangerous crosses.
Rodwell 8
Had one excellent game. Header tipped over first half.
M'Vila 7
Did his job in the midfield battle
Borini 7
Came in for some tough tackling from home side
Defoe 7
Wriggling movement caused United problems.
Sub:
O'Shea (Kaboul 72)
N'Doye (Khazri 75)
Cattermole ()
Not used: Jones, Cattermole, Pickford, Lens, Toivonen
Ref: Martin Atkinson
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário