Jermain Defoe rolls back the years

Sunderland 1 Newcastle United 0: Jermain Defoe is a quick learner. Sunderland’s recent acquisition has spent the last fortnight taking a crash-course in Wear-Tyne derby history, and it took him less than 45 minutes to write his name indelibly into its latest chapter.

Finding the net for the first time in seven games spanning almost two months, the 32-year-old produced a goal worthy of winning a game far better than this demolition derby.

Defoe’s sublime hit as first-half stoppage time approached proved the difference, and was enough to secure for Sunderland a club record fifth successive victory over their neighbours, in the process lifting them three points above the relegation zone thanks to a first win in nine games.