Sunday, March 20, 2016

Newcastle 1-1 Sunderland: Aleksandar Mitrovic salvages a point for the Magpies - 6 things we learned

Aleksandar Mitrovic rescued a point for Newcastle in the desperation derby.
The Serb headed home in the 83rd minute to claim and scarcely deserved leveller.
Jermain Defoe grabbed the opener in the 43rd minute after a scrappy first half.
A clever short corner teed up Fabio Borini on the edge of the box.
His shot was saved by Rob Elliot, headed away weakly by Chancel Mbemba and lashed home by Defoe.

1. Defoe the hero again?

Stu Forster/GettyRobert Elliot fails to stop Jermain Defoe from scoring the first goal
1-0: Rob Elliot fails to stop Jermain Defoe from scoring the first goal
The Sunderland striker was the hero at the Stadium of Light last season with a wondergoal.
This time he lashed in after 43 minutes to give the Mackems the lead and continued his rich form away from home.
Defoe has netted eight goals in his last nine away game. Every club who avoids relegation need a talisman.
Defoe can be Sunderland's.

2. But Aleksandar Mitrovic to the rescue

Stu Forster
The equaliser! Aleksandar Mitrovic heads home for 1-1
The big Serb had done nothing all game, until he came up with the crucial equaliser after 83 minutes.
He was heading for a 1/10 in my match ratings, because he never looked like scoring.
But the targetman was unstoppable at the back post when Gini Wijnaldum dinked in a deep cross from the right wing.

3. Managerial changes before the Tyne Wear derby usually work for Sunderland, didn't do the trick for Newcastle

Stu Forster/GettyRafael Benitez gives instructions as Sam Allardyce looks on
New boss bounce? Not quite for Newcastle
It is a strange quirk that Sam Allardyce was the fourth Sunderland boss to win a derby two games into his reign.
It is double quirky that Newcastle sacked Steve McClaren two games before this game, allowing Rafa Benitez a warm up defeat against Leicester, before looking to continue the tradition.
Such is the lack of confidence in his side, that this game never looked like being a home win until a late rally with five minutes to go.
Benitez will be happy to get away with a draw.

4. Continued dominance of the North East derby by Sunderland

Owen Humphreys/PA WireJermain Defoe celebrates scoring the first goal with team mates
So close! Jermain Defoe celebrates his goal - but they couldn't quite hold on for the win
Seven minutes from seven in a row! Sunderland's remarkable streak is over.
But they have now gone nine games without defeat to Newcastle.
Jan Kirchhoff and Jack Rodwell had excellent games bossing the midfield. The defence was solid, Wabhi Khazri was a pest and Defoe lively up front.
They were the better team.

5. Are Newcastle going down?

Stu Forster/GettyAleksandar Mitrovic collides with a fan as he celebrates scoring the first Newcastle goal
Pitch invader! This fan went down - but will Newcastle?
I'd made that conclusion after their defeat to Leicester. This performance only confirms the likelihood.
They have only won twice in the last 14 games. They need to win four of their last eight. It doesn't add up to survival.
Newcastle, on this form, are finished, unless they get up a head of steam like they did in a frantic last seven minutes..

6. Could they both be in the Championship next season?

Action Images via Reuters / Lee SmithAleksandar Mitrovic celebrates after scoring the first goal for Newcastle
Get shirty: Mitrovic celebrates his goal by stripping off
Possibly. This game was badly lacking quality at times. For long drifting periods the two sides kick the ball back and forth to each other with little idea of how to build an attack.
That sort of messy game suited the visitors, who improved as the game progressed.
Both clubs remain in deep trouble, and under severe threat from relegation.
Both sides remain in the drop zone.
 

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