Following a fantastic 6-2 win vs Norwich, the Toon faithful and players entered this Wear-Tyne derby in good spirits, despite having lost the last 5 meetings.
An unchanged starting XI was named by McClaren and Newcastle were the team who dominated the game in the first-half.
Sunderland were then granted a penalty after captain Coloccini barged Steven Fletcher over in the box. Robert Madley then foolishly sent off the Argentinian and Adam Johnson converted the spot-kick.
A decent performance by the Magpies was overshadowed by an egotistical referee who wanted to make the headlines – one Robert Madley.
Sunderland went on to win 3-0 after Newcastle were left with a mountain to climb. Here’s my player ratings:
