SAM ALLARDYCE has told his Sunderland players to enjoy their derby-day celebrations, but warned them they will have to improve markedly if they are to remain in the Premier League this season.
The Black Cats finally claimed their first league win at the tenth time of asking as goals from Adam Johnson, Billy Jones and Steven Fletcher secured a controversial 3-0 win over Newcastle United.
The victory owed much to the 45th-minute dismissal of Newcastle skipper Fabricio Coloccini, who received a straight red card after barging into Fletcher in the incident that led to Johnson opening the scoring from the penalty spot.
Prior to that moment, Sunderland had been distinctly second best, and even though Newcastle played the whole of the second half with just ten men, the visitors continued to dominate possession until they were picked off on the break.
Allardyce was understandably delighted to follow in the footsteps of Paolo Di Canio, Gustavo Poyet and Dick Advocaat by securing a derby victory in his second game in charge of the Black Cats.
But as he looks ahead to a tricky run of games that will see Sunderland take on Everton and Southampton before the next international break, he accepts his side will have to step up another couple of gears if they are to haul themselves out of the bottom three.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do, and we have to get a lot better than we have been today,” said the Sunderland boss. “Enjoy the victory lads, and well done, but we have to be a lot better than the performance we’ve shown today if we’re going to get out of trouble and get into mid-table.
“It’s great to do what we’ve done, but there’s a long way still to go. They can all improve on this performance, but hopefully it will build their confidence.
“Confidence comes from winning football matches, however you win them, but I’m going to be pushing the lads hard to get better than this performance. It might sound a bit harsh – but we need to get a lot better.”
Sunderland’s win came at a cost, with John O’Shea, Younes Kaboul and Ola Toivonen all sustaining injuries that could keep them out of next weekend’s trip to Goodison Park.
“John’s got a hamstring injury and Ola has injured his calf,” said Allardyce. “Younes did a groin, so the disappointing thing is that there’s three players who have got injured. We’ll have to see how they are for next week. I would imagine they’ll find it difficult to get fit – we might get one out of three, but I won’t be sure for another two or three days.”
Steve McClaren was forced to reflect on another dispiriting derby reverse, but after criticising Madley’s decision to dismiss Coloccini, he was quick to praise the quality of his side’s all-round display.
Newcastle passed the ball effectively throughout, with Moussa Sissoko and Georginio Wijnaldum in particular causing a succession of problems to their opponents in the Sunderland midfield.
Aleksandar Mitrovic troubled the Sunderland back four all afternoon, although he spurned the best chance that came his way when he shot tamely at Costel Pantilimon at the start of the second half.
“I honestly didn’t think they could get the ball from us,” said McClaren. “They tried to press, but we were just so good on the ball and just so in control of the game.
“There were no chances against in that first half, but we created a lot of opportunities. If we’d gone in 0-0 at half-time, I’d have been looking forward to the second half, but our game goes from control to catastrophe.
“But you come here in a cauldron, away from home in a derby game – and I’ve had lots of derby games – and the intensity can sometimes mean you can’t play. We said we had to play football to win the game, and we got the ball down, and showed bravery and courage to play.
“We dominated the game, and I don’t think I’ve ever been so relaxed in the first half of a derby game. But then in one second, one decision changes everything.”
HOW TWITTER REACTED TO THE RESULT:
Jake @jxkeys
Even though we won by 3 goals we were lucky and didn't deserve to win, apparently. #safc #nufc
Daniel Hickford @danhickford1
Would have gone onto win if we continued the way we were playing. Saying that, need to start picking up points. Serious catch up now!! #NUFC
Lee Johnson @Lee5_1Johnson
Just seen the Colo challenge sending off......sorry like if that's a foul games dead #nufc
Lynsey HipgraveVerified account @lynseyhipgrave1
Gutted about the result, we were fantastic in first half and in control but can't argue with the pen. Don't worry be happy! #nufc
Brad Jones @mrjbones8
I was told I wouldn't experience an atmosphere like Derby day in Sunderland and everyone was right. Most incredible atmosphere ever #SAFC
ww11 @mr_b_topbloke
Safc stretched 10 men nufc by going down both wings.I don't think big Sam will get the credit due for it .Right way to play 10 men #SAFC
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