Coral’s Heroes and Villains: King Kane and Coloccini red card

A 3-0 scoreline is nothing to be sniffed at for Sunderland, who claimed their first league victory of the campaign under their new coach to climb ahead of their bitter Northeast rivals Newcastle on goal difference.

The result must have been even sweeter for ‘Big Sam’ after the way his time at St James’ Park came to a close, and the bold boss led the Black Cats to their sixth successive derby triumph.

Villains

Mane mischief

It was a weekend of contrasts for Southampton magician Mane, who notched his third league goal in four games to make sure Southampton split the spoils with Liverpool at Anfield.

Yet, the Senegal striker blotted his copybook significantly by seeing red in stoppage time for a needless second yellow, leaving the Saints (9/4 for a top six finish) without their star man for a tricky Capital One Cup clash against Aston Villa.

Added to Mane’s reported lack of change for a toll booth bringing traffic to a halt earlier in the week, it’s been a weird one for the wily winger.

Coloccini card kerfuffle

The Argentine cult hero was certainly the villain of the piece, having shoulder-charged Steven Fletcher to concede a spot-kick and receive a red for being the last man standing.

While the decision may have seemed harsh, Coloccini only had himself to blame for the Magpies’ subsequent collapse, for not keeping a cooler head and denying a clear scoring chance.

Matic and Mourinho a damaging double act

Nemanja Matic, so disappointing this season, was sent-off for two cards in under 10 minutes against West Ham, boss Jose Mourinho just had to get in on the act too.

After being given his marching orders for approaching the referee at half-time, the ‘Special One’ was forced to watch his side capitulate from the stands yet again, among happy Hammer support, and gave media the cold shoulder afterwards.

Related

Now you’ve read who were our heroes and villains, check out Coral’s terrific team of the week