Owen brace downs Sunderland

A Michael Owen first half brace downed Sunderland in the 139th Tyne-Wear derby this afternoon. There have been rumours aplenty that Owen is set to quit his club after being cagey regarding a new contract, but Owen proved in today's Premiership match that he can still perform in the biggest games.

A packed St. James Park enjoyed a feast of Geordie football, with Newcastle being named the cream of the Tyne-Wear region with a dominant performance on Sunday afternoon to claim the local bragging rights.

Newcastle's unbeaten run has now stretched to six games.

The Match

Sunderland started best, as Kenwyne Jones could've scored as early as the second minute but Steve Harper saved well.

However, it only took a few minutes in and Michael Owen grabbed a classic goal; Geremi getting down the right flank to send a luscious ball into Owen who climbed highest to nod the ball home.

Newcastle could've easily been two goals up but for some better shooting from Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins who fired wide.

Sunderland were unfortunate to concede a penalty just before half time, as Danny Higginbotham hand balled in the area as Mark Viduka attempted to fire a shot on goal.

Up stepped Owen on 45 minutes, and he calmly slotted the ball home to make it 2-0.

The second half saw a better looking Sunderland side, who looked much more comfortable on the ball.

The Black Cats could have grabbed a goal back on 60 as slapdash control from Joey Barton allowed Andy Reid through, but the Irish winger fired straight at Steve Harper.

Owen then picked out Martins with a good ball, but the Nigerian fired the ball straight at Craig Gordon.

Sunderland then had a superb opportunity to pull back a consolation, but Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper pulled off a fantastic stop to prevent Kenwyne Jones from heading the ball home.

Newcastle had one final chance to get a third in the final minute, when Carroll perhaps should have done better from a Michael Owen cross, but he missed it by a matter of inches.

The bragging rights go to Newcastle and Kevin Keegan has completely changed the fortunes of Newcastle in the last month or so.