Jermain Defoe gave Sunderland a 1-0 lead over Newcastle just before the end of the half with an absolute rocket off the volley. Sunderland goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon booted the ball deep into the opposing half and Steven Fletcher headed it right to the middle of the penalty arc where Defoe tracked it down. He followed the path of the ball while setting himself up in the right position—kind of like how an outfielder will set himself up to catch a fly ball with the most momentum to get off a good throw—and just smoked it out of midair into the top corner of the goal.
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There have been a number of great goals this weekend, and this one might be the best of the bunch. Not only are the stakes high for the local bragging rights of Wear-Tyne derby, but Sunderland are trying to avoid relegation. This can't hurt.[NBCSN]