Habib Beye Watch at Sunderland

After a typically 'run away with ourselves' pre-match post, we came down to earth with a crash as a very good goal from Kieron Richardson settled an exciting if ultimately disappointing derby. Aside from the post match windmills, handbags and verbals the derby was largely uneventful. Sunderland fans have been wearing their colours proudly since the game and why not?!

The Sunderland midfield had a grip on the game from the moment Guthrie got booked. A man over, against a crocked 33 year old and a young buck on a yellow card. The Newcastle defence was exposed as a result, with Cisse's pace and Malbranque's guile causing the centre halves in particular no end of problems.

Another decent performance from Shola and a reserved performance from Beye showed some positive signs. Barton and Spiderman's introduction came too late but hinted at what is possible. Tuesday's game is must win as we need to keep up with Spur's resurgence and hope to drag the likes of WBA and Middlesborough in and around us so we can get out of trouble quick.