Adam Johnson's goal is enough for a Sunderland victory over Manchester City

England winger Adam Johnson sent his former club Manchester City to a 1-0 defeat as rivals United moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Johnson, who left the Etihad Stadium for Sunderland in August, delivered the knockout blow in the 53rd-minute.

And he admitted afterwards that scoring past England 'keeper Joe Hart was a 'great feeling', though he didn't go over the top with his celebrations.

“I cut inside and saw Harty learning towards the far post – I thought ‘if you don’t have a go, you don’t score’,” said Johnson, who appeared three times for the Three Lions in 2012.

“I had a go and the ball wobbled a bit and slipped under him.

“At the time I thought he’d saved it and that it’d gone the other side of the post. I couldn’t see that well.

“But the crowd went up and when I realised it was in it was a great feeling,” he told the Sunderland website.

Johnson added: “I tried to mute my celebrations a little because I had great times at City. Any club where you win medals and progress as a player, you have to show respect.”

England internationals Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young missed Manchester United's epic win over Newcastle United through injury. However, Michael Carrick made it and helped set up a 4-3 victory.

Carrick, who has been singled out for praise from England manager Roy Hodgson this season, provided the assist for Javier Hernandez to score a late winner

In a good day for England stars, Leon Osman and Phil Jagielka were on target in Everton's 2-1 defeat of Wigan.

Former England international Phil Neville also featured in the match and the win was the perfect way to celebrate his 500th Premier League appearance.

A delighted David Moyes said: "The big thing was when Ossie (Osman) went into the middle of the park - it made us play better.

"He has got happy feet. He danced through and got a shot away, obviously it took a bit of a deflection.

"The second one was a good header. It was about time a centre-half scored a goal and I’m glad Jags got it."

Elsewhere, Jermain Defoe scored yet again as his fine season continued - including England, he now has 16 goals for the campaign as Spurs enjoyed a fine 4-0 win at Aston Villa.

And in the day's other match, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard scored but could not prevent his side from losing 3-1 at Stoke, with Ryan Shawcross again impressing for Tony Pulis' side.