SUNDERLAND, England (AP) - Jermain Defoe scored with a dipping, left-footed volley from 22 meters to earn Sunderland a 1-0 win over Newcastle in the Premier League and a record-extending fifth straight victory over its fierce northeast rival.
The former England striker appeared to wipe tears away as he walked off at halftime after his stunning effort in first-half stoppage time at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland’s first victory under temporary manager Dick Advocaat ended its eight-game winless run and lifted the team three points clear of the relegation zone with seven matches left.
Defoe’s sublime goal wasn’t in keeping with a typically scrappy derby match between two of the Premier League’s out-of-form teams.
Newcastle has lost four straight games but is nine points above the bottom three and unlikely to be dragged into the relegation fight.
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