Emre blast talk of the Toon

Newcastle 3 Sunderland 2

The Magpies edged a five-goal thriller at St James Park after the Black Cats twice come from behind to equalise.

The game was blown apart by a remarkable four goals in eight minutes in the first period before Turkey international Emre Belozoglu conjured up a stunning free-kick winner in the second period.

Souness' side had taken a 34th-minute lead with a header from Shola Ameobi, back in the starting line up in the absence of the injured Michael Owen.

But less than 90 seconds later Liam Lawrence struck the first of Sunderland's equalisers, only for the home side to quickly regain the lead when centre-back and former Magpie Steve Caldwell headed into his own goal while under pressure from Ameobi.

It took just four minutes for Sunderland to haul themselves level again with the goal of the game from Stephen Elliott, only for Emre to ultimately have the final say.

It was believed, coming into the game, that Souness' job was on the line, but Shearer said: "There's always pressure because there's 52,000 fans here demanding success.

"That's pressure in its own right and if you can't handle it then you shouldn't be here. But we can handle it, the manager can handle it, and now we can go and have a good night tonight on the back of what is a great result for everyone at this club.

"The fans can also have a good day tomorrow because we've got the bragging rights after what is an important win. We've three points, but it's more important than that because it was against Sunderland."

Ameobi insists he is claiming Newcastle's second goal, despite replays clearly showing the ball coming off the head of Caldwell.

However, the rangy striker produced arguably one of his best displays in a Newcastle striped shirt, with Souness conceding he wants that every time he takes to the pitch.

"Our supporters have to understand that there is a player in there waiting to come out - and he came out today," said Souness.

The result lifts Newcastle up to 12th in the Premiership, but Souness appreciates just what it means for all concerned with United.

"That was a cracking advert for the Premiership and the north-east," added Souness.

"I love derby games. I was tempted to say beforehand that derbies have always been kind to me, but I didn't want to tempt providence on this occasion. I'm just delighted to come away with the three points, but no, there's no relief in winning this match."

Sunderland deserved a point, particularly after being denied a certain penalty late on when Charles N'Zogbia brought down Lawrence, while Elliott also struck the crossbar.

Manager Mick McCarthy said: "There's a sense of pride, but no sense of injustice because these are things that happen in the game.

"I never doubted they would get a free-kick (which led to the winner) on the edge of our box at some stage, while we should have had a penalty. But there was as much chance of us getting that as me making my way home under my own steam, flapping my arms.

"But such is life. What I do feel is that the width of the crossbar has been the difference between a great performance and a great result and me sat here pissed off because we've been beaten."

Opta Fact: Newcastle won their fourth consecutive Premiership game against Sunderland.

Opta Fact: This was Shola Ameobi's 126th league appearance for Newcastle and the first time he has scored twice in a Premiership game.

NEWCASTLE: Given, Carr, Boumsong, Taylor, Ramage, Solano (Clark 80), Parker, Emre (Faye 81), N'Zogbia, Shearer, Ameobi (Chopra 79).

SUNDERLAND: Davis, Nosworthy, Breen (Stubbs 42), Caldwell, Hoyte, Lawrence, Miller, Whitehead, Welsh (Arca 45), Elliott, Gray (Le Tallec 79).

Referee: R Styles (Hampshire).