Sunderland’s Defoe: One game I’ll never forget please log in to view this image Sunderland's Jermain Defoe celebrates scoring against Newcastle United. DERBY matchwinner Jermain Defoe says he will “never forget” his Wear-Tyne heroics after sealing a fifth win in a row over Newcastle United. Defoe’s stunning strike at the Stadium of Light yesterday equalled the record of five wins on the spin in the derby – set by Newcastle nine years ago – and more importantly saw Sunderland earn a huge three points in the fight against survival. The 32-year-old had been told what to expect on his derby debut by his team-mates in the build-up to the game after the England international’s arrival in the January transfer window. But Defoe – left in tears as the teams came off for half-time following his stunning strike – admitted the occasion far exceeded his expectations, with his goal making it an unforgettable occasion. Defoe said: “The lads had told me what to expect during the week, but it was like ‘wow’. “Even during the warm-up, the noise and coming up the tunnel, I got goosebumps. “Coming to the stadium, seeing the fans on the streets and the kids in their shirts... it was just crazy. “A special day. I’ll never forget this day. “I got up yesterday morning and I was so excited. It was like my first game! “You just want to do so well. It means so much to the people here, this game. “And obviously we needed the three points as well. “To play in a game like this AND score the winner, is just special. “I love games like this where it means so much. “You work hard, do well and you can be the hero. “I was painting pictures in my mind all week and did everything right; stayed behind after training because I was so looking forward to the game.” Defoe’s goal – a 20-yard left-foot volley from Steven Fletcher’s knock-down – will go down as one of THE all time great derby strikes. Afterwards, the former Spurs frontman took his time in trying to put the goal in context from his decorated career, before eventually deciding that it ranked in his top two! “It’s up there and with my weaker foot,” he added. “Top five easy. Top two actually! That feeling was unbelievable. “Fletch played that number nine role on his own and me and Connor (Wickham) just got around him. “When he headed it, I saw it coming down and thought I’m just going to hit it on target. “It happened so quick, but as soon as it left my foot, I just knew. “It’s one of those moments where you think ‘wow, is this even happening?’ “The stadium just erupted and I got emotional. It’s hard to find words to even describe that feeling. “I’ve always practised on my left foot since I was young, so I’m always confident that if a chance comes, I can hit it like I did. “But to score a goal like that in a game like this, is a dream come true. “Some things are just mean to be. The way we won the game was special.” Before yesterday his movement was so far ahead of the rest of the team it was embarrassing. Yesterday the system suited his play. For him to realise that these Sunderland - Newcastle games are the real derby games is immense.
So far so good with JDEFO, he is coming over as a decent bloke and there ain't too many of them about these days, I remember he did a piece with Ian Wright a few years back on TV and both were very very impressive, I think we may have found a new hero. Haway the Lads.
To think a lot of us, and I was one, always thought he was a prick, if a decent player. That genuine emotion was brilliant to see, hopefully he bags a few more and can be an absolute weapon next season. We just need an attacking midfielder who can give him chance and create space, we're not a million miles from being very decent. 3 players I'd suggest.
I still think he needs to be played in the number 9 role, ideally. Done a fantastic job yesterday and worked endlessly for the team, it's not his best position though.
I must admit that I was dubious about his signing for us in January as I suspected it was his way of just getting back into the EPL and being a London Cockney does not transplant well enough to stay devoted to the club if a southern club came after him. Got to admit that the sentiments he has expressed in the OP seem to indicate that he has fallen for us. Two good seasons out of him will go a long way in our rebuilding.
Me to mate. I always thought he was a twat. He probs was in the past tbh and has either grown up or is on his best behaviour lol.
I think we all did mate, we all said great player but greedy southern twat. **** me, that was some goal though and what a great day.
Don't worry about it mate. I've been an absolute **** in the past & done some awful things. We mellow with age, I'm a nice guy & these days I just want to live my life peacefully.
Whatever he's done in the past, he's ours now. I've watched that goal about 312,000 times now and it gets better every time. What a ****ing strike man. The fans reactions are awesome if you slow it down, awesome, tried to find myself cos it went in my end but camera never pans back far enough. Meh.
It's ****ing class isn't it? Every single angle is out of this world. I prefer it to Adam's personally, seen a few like his go in at Sunday league level and come very close myself, it's quick thinking and long pass accuracy. But that volley is just out of this world up there with some of the finest volleys I've ever seen. The technique is sublime, on his weaker foot too.
Aye, special finish. Have to say though, Adam's, the fact it's hit woth power makes it special. Zamora's was unreal as well. Some weekend for goals!
I think we are a million miles away. We played a below par Newcastle side with it's best players missing. I still think we will struggle to stay up. Palace on Saturday will be a much tougher test.
I disagree mate, and I agree that Palace will be tougher, I'm not basing what I say on the derby win. What we lack, and what we have lacked all season is the link between midfield and the wide players and strikers, in essence, a good quality ball playing cebtre midfielder would immediately make us significantly better. For me, we need a CAM, a RB and a CB, probably 2, to be decent, that's not a massive task. The kicker is to get a CM of the quality required is going to run to about £15million as a starting point, will Ellis do it? Defoe will get goals, we have 2 very good keepers and some decent wing backs, Catts is Catts, Seb had been good all season and Rodwell will improve. There's more positives than it looks like, the key fact is that we have a massive creative hole in CM.
I was in the video my mate went down early to get the bevies in and wasn't im the video haha he was gutted
