Sunderland 0-1 Newcastle United: Superb Ryan Taylor free kick ensures Steve Bruce's Black Cats suffer derby misery again

The match was a typical derby game, combative and fiercely contested, though there was a dearth of real chances created throughout the match.

In the 62nd minute, it was Jonas Gutierrez who paved the way for the game's only goal, going on a weaving run, only to be brought down in the channel.

From here, Ryan Taylor’s free-kick sailed into the box and though his namesake Steven Taylor was flying in to meet the ball, he did not get a touch on it, and the ball flew over the despairing dive of Simon Mignolet and into the far corner.

In truth, Sunderland never really threatened in the second half and the match petered out despite Steve Bruce’s introduction of new signing Connor Wickham.

And in the 89^th minute, it seemed that its misery was complete when Bardsley saw red for his second bookable offence, though Sunderland was extremely unhappy with the decision as the defender appeared to get the ball, though he followed through high onto Fabricio Coloccini’s leg with considerable force.

Sunderland was never really in danger of finding its opponent’s net, and it was Newcastle who came closest to scoring late on, as Mignolet got down well to block in added time.

It was a miserable day for the home fans on Wearside, and one that its neighbors are unlikely to let them forget for a while.

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