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Player Ratings: Newcastle United 0-1 Sunderland

Sports Mole rates the performances of those involved in Sunderland's late win away to local rivals Newcastle United in the Premier League.

Sunderland made it four consecutive wins over local rivals Newcastle United on Sunday with a dramatic 1-0 victory at St James' Park in the Premier League.

Both sides fought hard during what was a frenetic match, with plenty of chances appearing at both ends of the pitch.

However, the only goal of the game came on 89 minutes when Adam Johnson fired in following a quick counter-attack from the visitors.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the individual performances of those involved in what was a fiery Tyne-Wear derby.


Steven Taylor of Newcastle United lies on the ground injured after colliding with the post during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James' Park on December 21, 2014 in© Getty Images

NEWCASTLE

Goal

Jak Alnwick: Despite doubts over his fitness, the young stopper performed competently between the sticks for the home side. (7/10)

Defence

Daryl Janmaat: Showed good energy to get up and down the right flank, but occasionally gave the ball away unnecessarily with some dodgy decision-making. (6/10)

Fabricio Coloccini: A standard performance from the Argentine, who led well from the back and made life difficult for the Sunderland attackers with his physical presence. (7/10)

Steven Taylor: Did not do a lot wrong in central defence. Looked like his afternoon was over when he clattered into the post during the second half, though he battled on until the end. (7/10)

Paul Dummett: Looked up for the fight early on and provided a threat from out wide with some decent deliveries into the box. (7/10)

Midfield

Cheick Tiote: Steamed around the pitch impressively during the first half, but the Ivorian faded as the game wore on. (5/10)

Jack Colback: Anchored Newcastle's midfield with a mature and composed display against his former club. (7/10)

Yoan Gouffran: Only showed flashes of what he is capable of from wide areas before being taken on with around 30 minutes remaining. (5/10)

Moussa Sissoko: The Frenchman struggled to get involved in the match during the first half before making a bigger impact after the break. Almost found the net with a rasping drive minutes before Sunderland's winner. (6/10)

Attack

Sammy Ameobi: Drifted in and out of the action far too much for the home fans' liking. Rarely did anything to worry the opposition. (5/10)

Ayoze Perez: Brought supporters to their feet a couple of times with some exciting forward play. However, he needed more support higher up the pitch. (6/10)

Substitutes

Adam Armstrong: The local lad's energy added a different, more positive dimension to Newcastle's attack during the final 30 minutes. (7/10)

Papiss Cisse: Was introduced as an impact substitute with 15 minutes left to play, yet the Senegalese found it difficult to impose himself on the Sunderland defence. (5/10)

Remy Cabella: A late cameo from the Frenchman failed to light up the home side. (5/10)


Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United is challenged by Lee Cattermole of Sunderland during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James' Park on December 21, 2014© Getty Images

SUNDERLAND

Goal

Costel Pantilimon: Sunderland's goalkeeper looked far from convincing on a couple of occasions as he flapped at crosses, but he also made a couple of good saves to keep Newcastle at bay. (6/10)

Defence

Santiago Vergini: Appeared vulnerable at times as he made a mess of his defensive duties, particularly in the first half when the hosts piled on the pressure. (5/10)

Sebastian Coates: Was thrown into the starting lineup close to kickoff following an injury to Anthony Reveillere in the warm-up, but the Uruguayan stood up well to the opposition at the back. (6/10)

John O'Shea: A solid showing from the Black Cats' skipper, O'Shea organised his colleagues and kept Sunderland disciplined in deep areas. (7/10)

Wes Brown: Worked well with his defensive partners, with his big-game experience giving the visitors a calming presence. (7/10)

Midfield

Lee Cattermole: Made himself known inside the opening 15 seconds with a foul, though this was a subdued afternoon for Cattermole overall. (6/10)

Jordi Gomez: Wasted a glorious chance to put the away side ahead in the first half. Recovered from his miss to provide Sunderland with a bit of flair in midfield. (7/10)

Sebastian Larsson: The Dane was impressive out wide, with his deliveries causing the Newcastle defence plenty of problems. (7/10)

Adam Johnson: With Larsson on one wing, Johnson was equally as dangerous out on the other thanks to the quality of his crossing. Made himself a hero late on with an authoritative finish to score the winner. (7/10)

Connor Wickham: Worked hard for his team in wide areas, while his pace and power made life tough for the likes of Coloccini and Taylor. Missed a sitter in the first half, though it mattered little in the end. (7/10)

Attack

Steven Fletcher: Despite playing as the lone striker, the Scot excelled in the role. Holding the ball up well and showing good positional awareness, Fletcher stood out for the visitors. (8/10)

Substitutes

Liam Bridcutt: Was brought on with 20 minutes left and shored up Sunderland's midfield in place of Cattermole. (6/10)

Will Buckley: Was largely a passenger for the final 10 minutes when he came off the bench for Wickham, until he produced a smart layoff for Johnson's winner. (6/10)

Jack Rodwell: With just one minute of injury time remaining when he came off the bench, Rodwell struggled to have a say. (5/10)


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Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United is challenged by Lee Cattermole of Sunderland during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James' Park on December 21, 2014
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