Jermain Defoe scores goal of the season contender

Sunday 05 Apr 2015
Jermain Defoe celebrates his goal against Newcastle

Jermain Defoe scored a contender for goal of the season as Sunderland beat local rivals Newcastle 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.

On the stroke of half-time Defoe met Steven Fletcher’s header and, without letting the ball bounce, struck a stunning left-foot volley into the roof of the net from 20 yards.

"It was one of my best ever goals," he told Sky Sports after the game.

"In a game like this even if you score a tap-in and you get three points it's massive. But to score a goal like that is amazing."

Jermain Defoe delights Sunderland fans after scoring against arch rivals Newcastle

Defoe appeared close to tears as he celebrated his strike with team-mates.

"It was an unbelievable feeling when that went in. I was quite emotional as well," he added.

"We've worked so hard all week and the lads have put the effort in. We just wanted to do well. I think that's why I was so emotional."

Despite the visitors piling on the pressure in the closing stages, a Newcastle side containing Jack Colback and a late substitute appearance from England Under-18 international Adam Armstrong could not find an equaliser and Sunderland hung on to record a fifth successive victory over their north-east neighbours.

In the day's early kick-off it was an afternoon of mixed emotions for England's newest striker Harry Kane.

Nine days after scoring on his England debut, the 21-year-old was handed the captain's armband for Tottenham Hotspur's visit to Burnley.

Harry Kane sent this tweet after captaining Spurs for the first time

However, a Spurs side also containing England's Ryan Mason, Kyle Walker, Danny Rose and Eric Dier, was unable to create enough to see off a determined Burnley and the game finished 0-0.

Despite the disappointment of failing to beat the Premier League strugglers, Kane spoke of his pride after the game and said it would be a week he would never forget.

"You could say it has been the best week of my life – to score, to make my first start and score for England, and to be captain today," he said. 

harry-kane-danny-ings

Danny Ings and Harry Kane shake hands after Burnley and Spurs draw 0-0

"It has been an unbelievable couple of weeks and one I won't forget for the rest of my career."

Kane's Under-21 striker partner Danny Ings led the attack for Burnley, and may have given his side an early lead when he broke clear of the Spurs back four.

However, Ings was unable to add to his nine Premier League goals for the season so far as he fired straight at stand-in goalkeeper Michel Vorm.

By Jamie Reid Senior Writer