Defoe wonder goal settles derby, Spurs held

LONDON: Jermain Defoe scored a sensational long-range volley as Sunderland leapt three points clear of the Premier League relegation zone by beating derby rivals Newcastle United 1-0 on Sunday.

Defoe struck in first-half stoppage-time, crashing a sublime left-foot volley into the top-right corner from 25 yards after Steven Fletcher headed on Costel Pantilimon´s punt downfield.

The goal sparked jubilant celebrations at the Stadium of Light and Defoe, who returned to English football in January after a disappointing spell at Toronto FC, was seen to wipe away tears as he left the pitch at half-time.

"Words can´t even describe how I felt when that went in," Defoe told Sky Sports.

"I was very emotional for some reason, as everyone wanted the three points so badly."

The England international´s goal gave manager Dick Advocaat his first victory since succeeding Gus Poyet and enabled Sunderland to extend their run of successive wins over Newcastle to five.

"It was such a nice goal it has to count for two!" Advocaat joked.

"We have three home games to go and we must get those points there as well. Now we concentrate on Crystal Palace. I am really happy for the players and the fans."

Defoe´s strike also continued a theme of spectacular goals in the English top flight over the weekend, following Charlie Adam´s remarkable 65-yard strike against Chelsea for Stoke City and Bobby Zamora´s exquisite lob against West Bromwich Albion for Queens Park Rangers.

Newcastle manager John Carver, whose side remain in 13th place, described the visitors´ first-half performance as "abysmal".

"I always say a side of mine will give 100 percent and we didn´t," he added. "We were second-best in every department. It wasn´t good enough."

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino admitted that his team faced an uphill battle to secure Champions League qualification following a 0-0 draw at Burnley.

The stalemate left Spurs seven points below the top four in sixth place, having played a game more than fourth-place Manchester City, who visit Crystal Palace on Monday. (AFP)