Mitrovic cancels out Defoe opener in tense Tyne-Wear derby draw

While, as the early jabs continued by both teams, Jack Rodwell forced Rob Elliot into away palming his headed effort, as a chorus of heckles and chants rained down in Newcastle.

Townsend again tested as a threat down the right flank, skipping away from Sunderland’s defence to pop ovr a terrific looping cross. Midfield man Moussa Sissoko made contact, but not the good kind, flinging the ball back in the direction from whence it came despite arriving tantalisingly at the near post.

Townsend continues to trouble

It took around just 16 minutes for the first yellow card to be shown, as former Black Cats boy Jack Colback took out Borini near the sidelines, meaning the makeshift full back now misses two upcoming important clashes against fellow relegation threats Norwich City and also Southampton.

Then, just seconds later, dangerman Defoe almost sent travelling fans into raptures, as his strike seemed to have gone in – but had actually, and agonisingly for away fans, only hit the side netting.

It was certainly end-to-end action, as Townsend seized upon a Black Cats backline wobble to charge infield and send a stinging shot at Vito Mannone, before Defoe slid into the Magpies box, inches away from converting with a Khazri cross.

More slick play from fleet-footed Townsend found Ayoze Perez one-on-one with Younes Kaboul, the Frenchman hauling his Spanish opponent down as the nimble attacker tried a nutmeg. It was January signing Jonjo Shelvey who stepped up to take the set-piece just outside the area, flashing his menacing strike wide of Mannone’s right post.

Defoe makes difference

Having made a meal of his earlier opportunity, it was veteran Defoe who dispatched to send the away end and Sam Allardyce delirious and stun the rest of St James’ Park.

Borini took a pot shot from outside the area that Elliot could not cling on to and, as the Magpies scrambled to clear their lines, unmarked Defoe bobbed up with a deadly volley for the derby’s opener just before the break, dispatching ruthlessly in the left hand corner.

The striker, now on nine league away goals for the term, appeared to take a ‘selfie’ in his own unique celebration and who could blame him? That goal was Defoe’s second in his past three Tyne-Wear derbies and also his second league strike in a row. Decisive.

HALF-TIME Newcastle 0-1 Sunderland. The visitors deservedly lead thanks to that man Jermain Defoe #NEWSUN #derbyday pic.twitter.com/PKPuoSmyzH

— Premier League (@premierleague) March 20, 2016

Keepers called into action

Things were no less explosive when beginning the second 45, as Daryl Janmaat whipped up home fans before Yann M’Vila was forced to clear off Sunderland’s line, with Mannone caught in no-man’s land as Perez struck.

The tackles just kept flying in, as Newcastle skipper Shelvey lunged in on Jan Kirchhoff to see yellow, while Mitrovic threatened goal with a glancing header, though Mannone had the measure of it.

Momentum appeared to now be with the Magpies, but it was still stopper Elliot who proved to be their most important player after the break, swooping to prevent the Black Cats bagging a second.

Khazri was determined down the flank and finally managed to squeeze the ball to overlapping left back Patrick van Aanholt. The Dutchman pulled the trigger from close range, but Elliot pulled off an instinctive save to much applause.

Newcastle continued to press for a leveller, but the Black Cats closed ranks, frustrating Rafael Benitez into throwing returning poacher Papiss Cisse into the fray after a long spell on the sidelines.

Mitrovic a Magpies menace

Persistence eventually paid off, but it was starting marksman Mitrovic who sparked St James’ back to life with a late header.

Georginio Wijnaldum was the creator, leaving Dame N’Doye in his wake as whipped a lovely ball to Sunderland’s back post, with Mitrovic clambering above DeAndre Yedlin to nod powerfully past Mannone and go on to celebrate wildly with a fan. That’s why Newcastle bought him! Though, the striker was later forced off the pitch after a head injury, much to his evident displeasure as the clock ticked down.

Celebration of the season from Mitrovic & a random fan:pic.twitter.com/8tOBYUY4p1

— Coral (@Coral) March 20, 2016

Following a fraught finish, the Magpies will undoubtedly be pleased with their point and courageous fight back, while rivals the Mackems will rue a chance to claw away from the relegation scrap, as everything remains finely balanced in the Northeast…

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