LONDON – Jermain Defoe has 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.
Defoe struck in first-half stoppage-time yesterday, 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 halftime.
The England international’s goal gave manager Dick Advocaat victory in his first Wear-Tyne derby and enabled Sunderland to extend their run of successive wins over Newcastle to five.
It 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.
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.
Spurs also have a vastly inferior goal difference to the teams in the top four and with only seven games of the season remaining, Pochettino conceded that the odds were against his side.
“It is difficult, but we have seven games —— we will try,” said the Argentine.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche was pleased with his side’s display, which lifted them above Queens Park Rangers in the relegation zone. “I think we edged the game, but there was not a lot in it,” he said.
